MULTIAXIAL FORCE MEASUREMENT

Dynamometers can be used to measure a uniaxial force or a force system with several components.

Such systems are composed either by the association of several single-component transducers in a structure defined for this purpose, or by using a proof body of a specific type sensitive to different components of effort to be measured and capable of measuring the whole or part of the force torsor at one point.

• What solutions are there for measuring very high force capacities?

  Very high force capacities can be measured by associating several single-component transducers in parallel – using three transducers allows for isostatism. The mechanical assemblies needed for such systems, often called transducer pyramids, must comply with specific requirements.

  Verification of concrete testing machines requires the use of a very specific force transducer called a strain gauge cylinder.

  Only the measures taken by a single-component transducer are analysed.

• Precautions to be taken when measuring a tension or compression force

  To measure a force, it is necessary to predetermine two of its characteristics: its direction and its point of application. It is also convenient to determine the precautions to be adopted, so that the use of the dynamometer does not modify the uniaxial nature of this force by introducing interfering components. In particular, mechanical pieces allowing for the transmission of the force to be measured to the transducer must filter the interfering efforts and must not cause them themselves. Measurement accuracy is directly conditioned by these connecting pieces.

  The use of a force transducer requires that its effort axis be known, i.e. the axis at which the force must be applied to the proof body. This axis must be materialised by accessible mechanical elements.

  Two configurations must be distinguished, depending on whether the transducer is measuring tension or compression forces.

NOTE : Spanish version /en/tecnologia/sensor-estandar/medicion-multiaxial