METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SHEAR STRAIN TESTING OF STRAIN SENSORS

摘要

A method and apparatus for testing, evaluating, and/or calibrating strain sensors. A test beam (12) having a uniform shear-strain region is secured at opposite ends of a longitudinal axis by uniform force clamp assemblies (14) and (16). A first clamp assembly (14) at one end of the rectilinear test beam is configured to hold the rectilinear test beam (12) in a fixed position, while the second clamp assembly (16) at the opposite end is configured to enable application of torque to the test beam (12) about the longitudinal axis. Displacement sensors (60) in operative proximity to the second clamp assembly (16) provide data which is representative of the deflection of the test beam (12) about the longitudinal axis in response to the applied torque, while a torque sensor (62) provides data which is representative of the actual applied torque. Output signals from one or more strain sensors (64) disposed on the surface of the rectilinear test beam (12), within the region of substantially uniform shear-strain, may be tested and/or calibrated in relation to the deflection of the rectilinear test beam (12), the applied torque, and optionally to an environmental condition such as temperature.