Force Sensing Systems.

[cfinister]

I am setting up a test rig to measure stiffness of a motorcycle chassis and require a method of accurately sensing the load applied. Load is applied via a hydraulic cylinder, I have a pressure guage but the cylinder capacity is 45kN of which I am using typically upto 2.5 kN. I feel that the friction will lead to innacurate loading if I use the fluid pressure as the indicator.

I therefore need a small device which will sit under the head of the actuator (dia. 1&quot and must be as thin as possible. I have heard of Force Sensing Resistors, does any one have experience of these??

Can anyone recommend a co. or website to search for products, as I have little (i.e. none) experience of force measurement.

 

[swertel]

You can go to Thomas Register online and do a search for load cells. You'll find too many to deal with. I used to work (let me stress USED TO) for a company that made load cells, so I'll recommend them first. Bad company to work for, but a good product.

Interface (

http://www.interfaceforce.com/miniature.htm)

is a link to their miniture line. You may want to focus on their load washers if you only need to measure compression. Otherwise, try their WMC Series.

Some of their competitors are Lebow, Sensotec, Sensortronics, Strain Measurement Devices Inc, Strainsert.

Rice Lake Weighing systems is a reseller of load cells from many of the manufacturers above. You may want to start there to get a general idea of the various products available.

It has been a while, but I still remember a thing or two about load cells. If you have any other questions, post them here.