Force Measurement Chain

Force measurement is performed in one of two ways:

• by using a force sensor mounted in series in the force application chain;

• by calculation, based on a measurement of another parameter (pressure, acceleration) that is mathematically related to the force.

Thus, the force exerted by a cylinder is measured by measuring the pressure p and calculating the force using the equation F = pS, where S is the cross-sectional area of the cylinder. This is the method generally used to determine the force generated by a test press.

Similarly, the force in a tow hitch during the acceleration phase of a vehicle and its trailer can be estimated by measuring Γ and applying the relationship: