A comparative study of static, continuous, and dynamic calibration methods for high-precision low-force strain-gauge transducers

The ISO 376 standard, which underpins static force calibration procedures, does not adequately address the time- and frequency-dependent effects encountered in real-world applications such as aerospace, automotive, and biomedical testing. This study investigates and compares static, continuous, and dynamic calibration methodologies applied to low-force strain-gauge transducers with capacities ranging from 50 N to 500 N. A 200 N transducer was calibrated using all three methods, while others were tested statically and dynamically. Static calibration yielded consistent sensitivity and low uncertainty across all force levels. Continuous calibration, based on DKD-R 3–9, produced comparable sensitivities but showed increased uncertainty, primarily due to reversibility effects and mechanical coupling imperfections. Dynamic calibration, conducted per DKD-R 3–10 using sinusoidal excitation in the range 10 Hz −100 Hz, revealed a frequency-dependent sensitivity reduction, with Monte Carlo-based regression models used to characterize performance. While results across all methods are broadly compatible within declared uncertainties, significant divergence emerges when uncertainties are reduced to static levels. This raises important questions about the traceability and comparability of force measurements under non-static conditions. The findings underscore the need for further refinement in continuous and dynamic calibration methods to meet the demands of advanced material and structural testing.