A resistance strain gage with repeatable and cancellable apparent strain for use to 800 C

A temperature compensated static strain gage, which is fabricated from palladium-13w/o chromium (Pd13Cr) alloy and a platinum (Pt) compensator, is being developed and was tested over a temperature range to 800 C at NASA-Lewis. The PdCr compensated strain gage has significantly lower apparent strain to 800 C than other high temperature strain gages. The PdCr compensated gage is protected from oxidation by a flame-sprayed alumina-4w/o zirconia overcoating. Test results to 800 C indicate apparent strain variations of less than 300 micro-epsilon and reproducibility between thermal cycles within 50 micro-epsilon. Apparent strain of the coated PdCr compensated gage can be predicted and cancelled due to its reproducibility and low value.