Finite element analysis of ring strain sensor

The stress and strain distributions in a ring strain sensor, subjected a pair of pressing loadings at its upper and lower top points, are investigated with Finite Element Method (FEM). The investigated results show that there are maximum stresses/strains and distinct stress/strain concentrations at its upper and lower top points, which are not appropriate locations for sticking strain gauges. The investigated results also show that there are second-larger stresses/strains and without stress/strain concentrations at the left and right top points of the sensor, which are the most appropriate locations for sticking strain gauges. The precision of the strain sensor with the strain gauges at its left and right top points are tested and compared with that of the sensor with the strain gauges at its upper and lower top points. The compared result shows that the test precision of the former is distinctly better than that of the latter, which verifies the validity of the results obtained with FEM.