Tension and Temperature Coefficients of the Resistivity of Some Metals and Alloys

Abstract

An attempt has been made to study the effects of tensile stress and temperature on the resistivity of some metals and alloys. The specimens include; copper, constantan, manganin, tantalum and minalpha. The strain coefficient of resistivity dp, rate of increase of fractional resistivity with stress of Qde resistance (gauge factor (K)) were determined for copper, constantan, manganin and tantalum. For constantan, dp is found to be highest for a sample of Qde diameter 0.19 mm and lowest for diameter 0.31mm. Tantalum has the highest K-value hence it is the material expected to give relatively the highest strain sensitivity in strain gauges. Minalpha has, however, shown the greatest extent of scatter.