A Modified Algorithm for Reducing Calculation Errors in Large Strain Measurement with Strain Gauges

There is no simple linear relationship between strain and potential in strain measurement with strain gauges, especially for large strain measurements. In this paper, a modified algorithm was proposed to improve the accuracy of strain obtained from measured voltage. The strain was calculated from a nonlinear relationship between voltage and strain rather than a linear simplification. Moreover, the corrections for different sensitivity factors of strain gauges and lead wire resistance were considered. The proposed method was suitable for both large and small strain measurements using a quarter bridge, and validated by experimental tests. It is also very easy to be implemented as a software form and used in scientific tests and engineering applications.