Load cell in the mast step to measure compression???

[Gilbert]

For many years I have been thinking it would be interesting to put a load cell in a mast step to measure the compression load on a sailboat mast while it is sailing.
Does anyone know if this has been done?
If so, what were the results compared to the assumptions folks use for calculating compression loads on masts?

[gonzo]

They are used, also tension gauges on the rigging

[Paul B]

They are used

Can you point to any examples of where they are used?

[billys maverick]

One of the best resources for rig load measurements, and a great read, is linked below:

http://www.fh-kiel.de/fileadmin/Data/maschinenwesen/Forschung_Wissenstransfer/Professor_innen/Grabe/Veroeffentlichungen/Grabe_HP-Yacht_02.pdf

You're going to need a strong loadcell... look in the crash test dummy industry. One company (RA Denton, Inc) builds a nice unit with easy 0-10VDC output which can be acquired with a simple USB Data Acquisition unit (National Instruments has a nice unit for approx $200-300). The Denton loadcell will be expensive, so look around for secondhand components. If you find a good resource, I'd be interested in it.

[Crag Cay]

This TP52 has one fitted (www.farrdesign.com/FYS/TP52_Cristabella/listing.pdf), but I've seen them more often on larger yachts .