Self-Temperature Compensation in Strain Gage Testing

Clockwise Thermal Output Curve

The thermal output curves for these alloys, on the other hand, can be adjusted around the room-temperature reference point to favor a specific temperature range.

This is accomplished by deliberately mismatching the S-T-C number and the expansion coefficient in the desired direction.

The curve is spun counterclockwise when the selected S-T-C number is less than the expansion coefficient. The thermal output curve rotates clockwise when there is an opposing mismatch.

Calibrating Installation for Thermal Output

The thermal output curves for A and K alloys do not apply in conditions of S-T-C mismatch, of course.  In addition, it will be necessary to calibrate the installation for thermal output as a function of temperature.

However, when choosing a grid material, other features of D alloy should be taken into account.  If is magneto-resistive, for example, and its reaction to strain is nonlinear, increasing notably so at strains beyond 5000 με.

Karma Alloy | Strain Gage Thermal Properties

Now, we journey away from Isoelastic alloys and venture into Karma (K).

Altered Karma, or K alloy, is a significant member of the family of strain gage alloys due to the wide range of applications it has.

This alloy is the preferred option for reliable static strain measurements over long periods of time (months or years) at room temperature, or shorter periods at increased temperature. It is distinguished by good fatigue life and great stability.

For prolonged static strain measurements in the temperature range of –269 to +260°C (–452 to +500°F), it is advised. Encapsulated K-alloy strain gages can be exposed to temperatures as high as +750°F (+400°C) for brief periods of time. The stability and useable gage life at high temperatures will both be enhanced by an inert environment.

Flatter Thermal Output Curves

Along with other benefits, K alloy has a thermal output curve that is substantially flatter than A alloy’s, allowing for more precise rectification of thermal output mistakes at high temperatures.

K alloy, like constantan, can be used on materials with various thermal expansion coefficients by self-temperature compensating for temperature.

However, there are only a few S-T-C numbers that are accessible in K alloy: 00, 03, 05, 06, 09, 13, and 15. When a temperature-compensated gage is needed with environmental capabilities and performance qualities that are not possible with A-alloy gages, K alloy is the typical choice.

Opened-Faced K-alloy Gages & Duplex Copper Padding

The duplex copper feature, a testing option for open-faced strain gages made with K alloy, is a must have for those in modern-day environments due to the difficulties of soldering directly to K alloy.

Depending on the available tab space, the duplex copper addendums offered by manufacturers is an ideal copper soldering pad (DP) or dot (DD) specifically designed for stain gage testing. All K-alloy gauges without leads or solder dots are identified by the designations DP or DD (in place of, or in addition to, the option specifier).

When North American clients contact our Mechanical Testing Engineers, the exact style of copper treatment will be ordered, to ensure accuracy and a 1:1 replication testing environment.