Multidirectional force and moment transducer

A multidirectional strain gage based measuring element for constructions loaded in the six possible ways is described. It measures strains caused by shearing stresses in the columns of a slotted cylinder. It has good repeatability especially for the axial force and bending in each plane through the axis of symmetry of the transducer. Interaction between the several outputs is small and can be easily corrected. The transducer is simple to design and to manufacture. The tolerances are relatively high. Its height is low compared to its diameter. A disadvantage is the greater than normal softness of the transducer, however, this can be compensated by increasing the number of slots and the number of torque gages. Applications to a snow plow, wind generator, Octoplus, and instrumented riser joint for offshore platforms are mentioned.