VIBRATING WIRE LOAD CELL

Vibrating Wire Load cells are available in both solid and annular styles to monitor compressive loads. Load elements are manufactured from high tensile, heat treated, stress relieved steel, with precision bearing surfaces. Machined overall, high tensile matching load platens are recommended to provide a smooth parallel bearing surface and spread the load.

Solid style cells incorporate 3 Vibrating Wire strain sensing elements mounted parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cell. Optional spherical platens are available to enhance alignment to the load axis.

Annular cells incorporate 3 to 6 vibrating wire strain sensors, mounted parallel to the longitudinal axis, equidistant around the circumference.

With the multi sensor configuration, it is possible to obtain accurate readings under mildly eccentric loading conditions, as the sensors are read individually. In multi strand anchors, it is possible to tension the strands uniformly by monitoring the load in each sensor as appropriate.

Submerged service designs are available on special order. The electrical cable to the readout may be either hard wired to the cell or connect via a metal Mil-spec type bayonet connector.

Sensors are read with the pluck and read technique, permitting compatibility with various brands of readouts and loggers. Gauges employing the autoresonant reading technique are available on special order.