Strain Gauge

AUTOMATION

LABVIEW

What?

Develop a LabVIEW program to measure strain on a beam using a quarter-bridge strain gauge configuration. The system displays strain and calculates corresponding weights, logging data to a spreadsheet while averaging multiple readings to improve accuracy.

How?

My lab partner, Bryce Plummer, and I:

Used a quarter-bridge strain gauge connected to an NI-cDAQ-9174 for strain measurement.
Connected the strain gauge to an NI-cDAQ-9174 and configured it using NI-MAX software.
Created a LabVIEW program featuring: Real-time strain and weight calculation; Data averaging to reduce noise; and Data logging into a spreadsheet for post-analysis.

My lab partner, Bryce Plummer, and I:

Used a quarter-bridge strain gauge connected to an NI-cDAQ-9174 for strain measurement.
Connected the strain gauge to an NI-cDAQ-9174 and configured it using NI-MAX software.
Created a LabVIEW program featuring: Real-time strain and weight calculation; Data averaging to reduce noise; and Data logging into a spreadsheet for post-analysis.

Results

The system effectively measured strain and calculated weights with minimal errors.
First test: 8.2% error (measured weight = 226.66g vs actual weight = 230g).
Second test: <0.5% error (measured weight = 460.93g vs actual weight = 461g).
Identified minor deviations due to calibration drift, sensor misalignment, and noise, mitigated by averaging techniques.

The system effectively measured strain and calculated weights with minimal errors.
First test: 8.2% error (measured weight = 226.66g vs actual weight = 230g).
Second test: <0.5% error (measured weight = 460.93g vs actual weight = 461g).
Identified minor deviations due to calibration drift, sensor misalignment, and noise, mitigated by averaging techniques.