Microcontroller based low cost strain measurement in a single ended cantilever beam using a Plastic optical Fiber

K Samrajyam and B. Sobha

Associate Professor, department of PHYsics, National Institute of Technology, Waranagal-506004

This paper reports on the use of a Plastic optical fiber(POF) for strain sensing in a single ended cantilever experiment. The beam bending is caused by a stepper motor controller. The results show that the POF sensor exhibits good linearity in with the applied stress. The POF strain response is twice that of strain gauge response This technique has an advantage for measuring micro strain in small deflection steps of 0.4 mm/sec very precisely. Thus POF strain sensor is more useful for the measurement of strain of a structure with a low cost as well with more accuracy