Load Cell Design Using COMSOL Multiphysics

A. Marchidan[1], T. Sullivan[1], J. Palladino[1]
[1]Trinity College, Hartford, CT, USA
Published in 2012

COMSOL Multiphysics was used to design a binocular load cell. A three-dimensional linear solid model of the load cell spring element was studied to quantify the high-strain regions under loading conditions. The load cell was fabricated from 6061 aluminum, and general purpose Constantin alloy strain gages were installed at the four high-strain regions of the spring element. The four gages were wired as a full Wheatstone bridge configuration and total strain was measured for applied loads ranging from 0-2.5 kg in 100 g increments. Model total strain was measured using point probes at each of the four strain locations, and with a load parametric analysis. Absolute mean model-predicted strain was 1.41% of measured strain. The load cell was highly linear.