Strain Gauge Equations

This section includes the complete strain gauge equations for several types of bridge configurations. These equations
are included as callable functions (with source code) with the NI-DAQ driver software. The function names are
Strain_Convert and Strain_Buf_Convert. With LabVIEW, these equations are included in the Convert Strain
Gauge Reading.vi in the DAQ Utilities menu.

To simplify the equations and account for unbalanced bridges in the nonstrained state, let us introduce the ratio Vr :
V O ( strained ) – V O ( unstrained )
V r = ---------------------------------------------------------------
-
V EX

where VO(strained) is the measured output when strained, and VO(unstrained) is the initial, unstrained output voltage. VEX is
the excitation voltage.

Also, the designation (+ε) and (–ε) indicates active strain gauges mounted in tension and compression, respectively.
The designation (–νε) indicates that the strain gauge is mounted in the transversal direction, so that its resistance
change is primarily due to the Poisson's Strain, whose magnitude is given as –νε.

Other nomenclature used in the equations include:

RG = nominal resistance value of strain gauge
GF = gauge factor of strain gauge
RL = lead resistance

RL RL

R1 R1
RG( ) RG( )
RL – RL
+ – + VEX + +
VEX VO VO
– –
RL R G (dummy)
R2 R3 R2
RL

Quarter-Bridge I Quarter-Bridge II

– 4V r R – 4V r R
strain ( ε ) = ------------------------------- •  1 + ------L- strain ( ε ) = ------------------------------- •  1 + ------L-
GF ( 1 + 2V r )  R G GF ( 1 + 2V r )  R G

RL RL

R1 R1
R G (+ ) R G (+ )
+ – + RL RL
VEX VO + – +
VEX VO
– –

R2 R G (– ) R2 R G (– )
RL RL

Half-Bridge I Half-Bridge II

– 4V r R
- •  1 + ------L-
– 2V R
strain ( ε ) = -------------------------------------------------------------- strain ( ε ) = ------------r •  1 + ------L-
GF [ ( 1 + ν ) – 2V r ( ν – 1 ) ]  R G GF  R G

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