Finding force applied from output voltage

[BlakeDawg]

My VI outputs a graph displaying the output voltage from two 250 lbf load cells (http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/FC2311-0000-0250-L/MSP6952-ND/809398) spec sheet (http://www.meas-spec.com/downloads/FC23.pdf). I am trying to determine how much force is applied to the load cells from my output voltage. So basically how do I convert the output from a voltage to a force (Newtons) . thanks.

[johnsold · Accepted solution]

The datasheet indicates that the nominal output is 100 mV at full scale load and 0 at no load.  If you neglect the min-max zero offset and the min-max span variation, you have 250 lbf/100 mV.  Then multiply by the appropriate conversion factor to newtons.  To account for offset and gain variations you could use a linear correction by solving the equation of a line (y=m*x+b) at two points, one with no load and one near full scale.

Some DAQ drivers have scaling included.

Lynn