Errors in high-temperature strain measurements

Abstract

The results of a technical evaluation of the accuracy of two types of commercially available high-temperature electric-resistance strain gages, and a special high-temperature gage under development at the Liquid Metal Engineering Center (LMEC) are presented. These gages, the BLH type HT 1212-5A, Microdot type SG420, and the LMEC gage, were selected for evaluation because of the need for reliable electric-resistance strain gages for high-temperature stress or strain measurements and process instrumentation in the temperature range of 900 to 1200° F. The BLH gage is rated by the manufacturer as a 1000 to 1200° F gage; the Microdot gage is rated as a 900° F gage. The special LMEC gage was made for use up to 1200° F. Instrumentation of this type is needed to determine or ensure component structural integrity and over-all system reliability of fast breeder reactors.