Application of foil strain gauges in high pressure research

Possibilities of the application of resistance foil strain gauges in high pressure research are discussed. In order to demonstrate such a possibility, the isothermal linear compressibility of selected metals, such as Al, Cu, and Fe, was measured with the use of foil strain gauges. The results obtained were compared with those given in the literature. Also, the possible effect of a protective foil on foil gauge properties subjected to high pressures was investigated. The experiments have shown that foil strain gauges are suitable for compressibility measurements and attain similar accuracy as wire strain gauges. The measuring method presented here was used to determine the compressibility of superionic glass given by the formula 0.4Agl-0.6(Ag2O-P2O5). It is concluded that the improved properties of foil strain gauges, in comparison with the wire ones, will result in better application possibilities of foil strain gauges in high pressure research. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.