Geometrical optimization of strain gauge force transducer using GRA method

This paper presents the geometrical optimization of strain gauge 'Double Ended Shear Beam' (DESB) force transducer. Multi objective optimization of elastic member of transducer is carried out by maximum stress sustaining capacity of strain gauge by minimizing volume. Optimal design utilize the Finite Element Method (FEM) software. Combined Taguchi and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) is used for optimization. Taguchi method has been applied to construct an orthogonal array based on selected parameters. Next, multi-objective optimization is performed. As Taguchi method is unable to perform multi-objective optimization combined approach of Taguchi and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) is carried out. This combined approach gives optimum parametric combination based on highest Grey Relation Coefficient (GRC). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is statistical technique is used to investigate contribution of each process parameters on the performance characteristic.