Measuring Pressure
Learning how to use the force sensor.Copyright 2011 Jeffrey Laut, Polytechnic Institute of NYU
Students learn first-hand the relationship between force, area and pressure. They use a force sensor built from a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 kit to measure the force required to break through a paper napkin. An interchangeable top at the end of the force sensor enables testing of different-sized areas upon which to apply pressure. Measuring the force, and knowing the area, students compute the pressure. This leads to a concluding discussion on how these concepts are found and used in engineering and nature.
Pressure, and the relationship between force, area and pressure, are important engineering concepts in a wide range of engineering disciplines. It is of paramount importance in fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and most other mechanical engineering fields. For example, imagine how necessary it is to understand all aspects of pressure and force when designing dams, roller coasters, bridges, bleachers, prosthetic limbs, submarines and computer keypads.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe the relationship between pressure, force and area.
- Distribute a force over an area to make a material withstand more force.
- Explain how the concepts of pressure, force and area apply to engineering and nature.