My first reaction to the idea of strain gauges is that they would only measure force and thus would not be a good means of measuring paddle efficiency. The whole problem with figuring out paddle efficiency is trying to relate a force applied to work done to the kayak or power received from the paddle. I do not think you can determine this by measuring force alone. I think you need to be able to determine speed of the paddle and this would then need to be adjusted for speed of the boat and then combine it with force measurements. I think the strain gauges could be used to analyze boat efficiency, but I'm not sure that they could be used to analyze paddles effectively. On Friday, June 13, 2003, at 12:30 AM, Matt Broze wrote: > PeterO wrote: >> Instrumenting a paddle is expensive in time and money, especially if >> you >> include the very best subminiature gyroscopes so that velocity can be >> approximately determined. Trying to derive velocity from a strain >> gauge >> measurement in a paddle requires difficult assumptions and I'm told >> gives >> very poor signal to noise.<<<<< > Others wrote similar things as well. > > I looked into making a paddle outfitted with strain gauges and even > rotational measuring devices to assure a consistent stroke for > comparison > purposes about 18 years ago when Sea Kayaker magazine first wanted to > compare the drag on kayaks. <snip> > <snip> Strain gauges on a shaft could be > easily calibrated with weights and checked periodically with weights to > assure consistency over time. If any one wants to try an approach like > this > I'll try to do what I can to help them. > Nick Schade Guillemot Kayaks 824 Thompson St Glastonbury, CT t> 3 USA Ph/Fx: (860) 659-8847 http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Fri Jun 13 2003 - 05:59:27 PDT
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