The present work, titled 'Strain Measurement', is the first volume in the new Book Series 'Measurement of Physical and Chemical Quantities'. Two new titles, on temperature and on displacement measurement, will be published by the authors in the nearest future.
This first edition is devoted to strain measurement considering its relevance in the engineering field. Invited authors are also contributing to specific topics with valuable perspectives.
The text starts by introducing the elementary concepts of stress and strain state of a body. Next, several experimental extensometry measurement techniques are briefly introduced highlighting and covering the fundamental concepts of the mostly universal one: the electric resistance extensometry using electrical strain gauges. Basic instrumentation theory and techniques associated with the use of strain gauges are presented. Looking forward into modern advanced techniques optical fibre based extensometry is also covered. Taking into account the importance of the evaluation of measurement uncertainties the publication ends with the uncertainty estimation on the measurement of mechanical stress.
The different chapters include several multimedia components such as animations, simulations and video clips.
The authors hope to have contributed with fundamental concepts and technical information on the topic of strain measurement. This contribution has been clearly enriched with the involvement of the invited authors.
Foreword
This book deals with measurement of stresses and strains in mechanical and structural components. This topic is related to such diverse disciplines as physical and mechanical sciences, engineering (mechanical, aeronautical, civil, automotive, nuclear, etc.), materials, electronics, medicine and biology, and uses experimental methodologies to test and evaluate the behaviour and performance of all kinds of materials, structures and mechanical systems.
During the last few decades the development of computer based techniques, as well as laser-optics methods, nanotechnologies and nanomaterials, among many other technological advances, added new dimension and perspectives to experimental techniques for testing, measurement and all related instrumentation.
The different subjects exposed in this book are presented in a very simple and easy sequence, which makes it most adequate for engineering students, technicians and professionals, as well as for other users interested in mechanical measurements and related instrumentation.
Joaquim Silva Gomes
Professor of Solid Mechanics and Experimental Mechanics
