Volt2Force: Load Cell Experiment

Summary

This project focused on building a complete pipeline for real-time force measurement using a shear beam load cell. A 2.5 k-lb Anyload 102ES load cell was mounted with its hardware kit and integrated with an A1A-22B analog amplifier for signal conditioning. The amplified output was captured by a LabJack U6 DAQ, enabling precise voltage acquisition and data streaming to a computer. Python scripts were developed to process and visualize the voltage data, which was calibrated against known weights to establish a linear voltage-to-force conversion model. The system successfully demonstrated accurate and repeatable force measurements, highlighting expertise in mechanical integration, sensor calibration, and experimental testing.

Technical Overview

• Integrated a 2.5 k-lb Anyload 102ES shear beam load cell into a mechanically mounted fixture using precision alignment methods, ensuring accurate axial load transfer and minimizing installation-induced errors.
• Configured and tuned the A1A-22B analog amplifier to condition millivolt-level strain gauge outputs into a stable voltage signal, enabling high-fidelity input to the LabJack U6 DAQ.
• Programmed Python routines to acquire, timestamp, and process continuous DAQ voltage data streams, providing real-time monitoring and calibration-ready datasets.
• Derived a voltage-to-force regression model through controlled loading tests and linear curve fitting, achieving a validated calibration curve with reliable force estimation up to ~650 N.