Strain monitoring for the Space Shuttle remote manipulator system

The design and testing of the Space Shuttle remote manipulator system is discussed. The measurement system specifications are stated and the selection of signal conditioning and strain gauge system are described. The measurement system quality assurance and acceptance test plan is detailed, including: the strain gauge installation procedure; the thermal effect on null balance, on combined gauge factor and material modulus test, and on gauge factor; the effect on indicated strain of vacuum and moisture; the strain gauge fatigue test; the temperature measurement system calibration; and the thermal effects on the integrated system. The procedures for the strain gauge and temperature gauge shunt calibration are described, and the data processing and error budget analysis is summarized.