Why is Force Important?
Force measurement is performed so frequently that we take it for granted. Almost every material item is tested using some form of traceable force measurement. For example, the packaging on most materials, including soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, and processed foods, is checked for tensile, peel, compressive, and tear strength to ensure the product can be opened yet remain protected and aesthetically appealing. Foodstuffs are tested for crispiness, chewability, cutting resistance, penetrability, and more, all measuring the application of force. Clothing, fabrics, shirts, trousers, undergarments, tablecloths, napkins, etc., are checked for tensile strength, tear strength, and seam slippage. The seams, buttons, and snaps are checked for tensile strength and pull-off forces.
Towels are tested for strength in both weft and warp directions, as well as seam slippage. Yarn is tested for tensile strength, as are fishing lines and composite filaments. The list goes on and on. Building materials such as concrete, glass, rebar, beams, wood, and structural composite material are commonly tested for compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, shear strength, rupture strength, and impact strength. Examples continue with the material in vehicles such as lamps, interior trim, oil filters, gaskets, etc. These are tested for tensile strength, flexural strength, ductility, shear strength, tear strength, rupture strength, and impact strength. Computers, including monitors and peripherals, are tested for tensile, flexure, shear strength, and impact resistance. Keyboards are tested for click and operational forces.
A more straightforward answer is that bridges and other objects do not collapse when forces are exerted upon them. When building a bridge, it is essential to get the concrete strength measurement correct. It is essential to make sure the steel is tested, and the cables are appropriately checked for prestress or post-tension. When these measurements are not done correctly, bad things happen, as shown below.
Force measurement is vital because when appropriately designed and tested, these bridges, buildings, and other structures are less likely to be subject to possible failure when various forces are exerted upon them. When building a bridge, it is essential to get the concrete strength measurement correct; it is essential the rebar steel is tested, and the cables are appropriately checked and verified for pre-stress or post-tension. When these measurements are not done correctly, failures can happen, resulting in structure failures, injury, and quite possibly loss of life.
In the example of why force is important above, the ripeness of apples is being checked. Why may that be important? If you are in California and want to distribute apples across the country, the harder ones will last longer and ripen during shipment. In contrast, the softer ones might be distributed locally.
The example of why force is important above shows the fishing line being tested. I am sure any fisherman would not want the line to break as they haul in their prized fish.
In general, the measurement of force is performed so frequently that we tend to take it for granted. However, almost every material item is tested using some form of traceable force measurement. Testing may vary from sample testing on manufactured lots and might include anything from the materials used to build your house to the cardboard on that toilet paper roll.
Why is Force Important? - Conclusion
I take great pride in our knowledgeable team at Morehouse, who continue to work with everyone, clarify complex topics, and provide tools such as free guidance documents, excel sheets, and products to help you make better force measurements. We want to make sure everyone understands why force is important and what force is.
At Morehouse, we educate our customers and provide solutions. Most of these solutions, which help you make better measurements, are available for free and can be found here.
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We have been in business for over a century and focus on being the most recognized name in force sensor calibration. That vision comes from educating our customers on what matters most and having the proper discussions about force and why force is important so everyone understands the concepts.
We believe in changing how people think about force and torque calibration in everything we do. We challenge the "just calibrate it" mentality by educating our customers on what matters, what causes significant errors, and how to focus on reducing them.
In addition, Morehouse makes simple-to-use calibration products. We build excellent force equipment that is plumb, level, square, and rigid. Morehouse provides unparalleled calibration service with less than two-week lead times.
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