Which type of pressure sensor uses a wire fastened to a diaphragm?

The strain gauge is the type of pressure sensor that uses a wire fastened to a diaphragm. In this sensor, the diaphragm flexes in response to pressure changes, causing the wire to stretch or compress. This deformation alters the resistance of the wire, which can be measured and translated into an electrical signal indicating the pressure level.

Strain gauges are commonly utilized in various pressure measurement applications due to their high sensitivity and ability to provide accurate readings across a wide range of pressures. They are effective because the relationship between the amount of deformation and the change in resistance can be precisely quantified.

Understanding the principles of how strain gauges operate helps in the design and application of pressure measurement systems, as well as in troubleshooting and optimizing sensor performance in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.