Strain gauges for the measurement of magnetostriction in the range 4K to 300K

The temperature dependence of gauge factor and magnetoresistance for two types of foil strain gauge commonly used in magnetostriction measurements has been investigated. Although the temperature variation of gauge factor for either type does not change significantly from one batch to another, the magnetoresistance in Ni-Cr alloy gauges is less predictable. The relative merits of the two types are discussed.