SHAPE OPTIMIZATION OF ‘PANCAKE’ TYPE LOAD CELL USING TAGUCHI METHOD

Abstract

This paper emphasizes onthe shape optimization of ‘pancake’ type load cell to reduce its weight without exceeding the permissible strain. A simple model of strain gauge based ‘PANCAKE’ type load cell is considered for finite element method (FEM) and Taguchi method was employed for performing optimization to find outthe maximum sensitivity and minimum volume.This paperpresents the model of 'PANCAKE' type load cell before optimization and finally obtained optimized Model. Then, the results are validated using Photo elasticity technique with a suitable instrument. By using these tools the designer can develop and modify the geometry of ‘pancake’ type load cell before finalizing.