Development of High-Temperature Strain Gauges

Abstract

This paper is restricted to a review of the work carried out in order to develop a strain gauge capable of operating at temperatures up to 1000°C with an inherent accuracy of ±5 per cent. A large number of resistance alloys were tested as unbonded long wires at room temperature and, from the results obtained, a small number were selected for further investigation, in the form of gauges, at high temperatures. The effects of factors such as metallurgical changes, geometric shape and long-term exposure on the behaviour of the gauges were investigated. A number of bonding mediums, some commercially available, were examined with particular reference to creep under load, shear strength and resistance to erosion and thermal shock. Finally some preliminary tests in conjunction with the measurement of steady strains at elevated temperatures were undertaken. It is concluded that the gauge factor is a function of the lattice imperfections of the element wire and, as such, will be temperature-conscious only if the imperfections themselves are affected by temperature variations. In general, any factor affecting the resistivity will affect the sensitivity. The most significant result obtained during the work described is that the gauge factor may be predicted within ±5 per cent at any given temperature, provided certain precautions are observed. Some typical failures under field conditions are discussed as also are the possibilities of operating for protracted periods under steady stress conditions. More stringent requirements for future applications suggest that the wire gauge will be unsuitable, in view of its low resistance in very small sizes, and a possible alternative is briefly outlined.