Force gauges measure mechanical power from push, pull or rotational force. They can be large machines used in manufacturing or small handheld devices. They measure forces applied through various methods and can measure everything from horsepower to muscle groups. Force dynamometer technology helps in many industries and is used for field tests for everything from rope pulls to engine belts.
A force gauge, or “dyno,” is a device that measures mechanical power, usually from a push, pull, or rotational force, called a torque. These devices can be large machines used in manufacturing, self-contained equipment to aid in physical rehabilitation and athletic training, or small handheld devices that aid in small-scale load testing. Using digital or analog readout meters, these devices measure the forces applied to them through the use of various methods, depending on their situation; other types of measurements may include shear, drawing, damping, and compression forces.
A force dynamometer can be used to measure everything from the horsepower of an automobile engine in revolutions per minute (RPM) to the performance progress of isolated muscle groups. These devices are designed to fit the corresponding prime movers through the use of accessories such as hangers, bearings, compression levers, lever arms and ladders. The two main types of large-scale dynamometers are transmission and absorption dynamometers. The transmission variety measures an elastic twist of an output shaft. The absorption type measures the forces applied to a braking mechanism, dissipating the force as heat through the use of mechanical friction brakes, hydraulic water brakes, or electromagnetic force.
The type of force gauge used in automotive testing applications measures torque by attaching a retainer to the output shaft. This element rotates with the shaft and the dynamometer then reads the force required to stop the rotation of its element. The force multiplied by the length or distance of the lever arm gives the torque value. Engine dynamometers measure crankshaft torque, while chassis dynamometers provide data on mileage, emissions and fuel economy performance.
The smaller variety of force dynamometer typically measures push and pull forces, attaching via push pads or pull hooks. Portable scale dynamometers could use hydraulic or spring-loaded mechanisms to read the functional capabilities and load limits of small-scale forces. These measurements are usually displayed in terms of weight. These devices are classified within specific weight ranges and are also known as force gauges, mechanical gauges, or tension gauges.
Force dynamometer technology helps in many industries, such as manufacturing, R&D, electronics, and telecommunications. Once used to gauge the voltage on power lines, mechanical dynamometers provide useful field tests for everything from rope pulls and rope rescue systems to engine belts and bicycle spokes. The software applications developed for smartphones equipped with an accelerometer allow acceleration, gravity and power measurements; this suggests the continued development of applications for force measurements in virtual reality and real-world applications.
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