Rig Design

Different ideas were considered for before deciding on a suitable method for measuring cutting force.

The final design involved using a computer and strain gauges to measure the strain in a beam to which a blade would be mounted.

A full Wheatstone bridge was used for the transducer, as shown here.

To view a video of the cutting rig, click here

Other methods considered were:

Measuring spring displacement during cutting

Measuring acceleration under gravity during cutting

Measuring energy loss in pendulum