An inexpensive instrument to measure the dynamic response of standing trees to wind loading

A relatively inexpensive caliper type strain-gauge transducer was developed for measuring the dynamic behavior of tree stems and branches subjected to wind loading. Laboratory and field tests showed that the voltage signal produced by the transducer was linearly proportional to the strain it experiences, and that in turn this strain was linearly proportional to the displacement of the branches tested. The transducer was also found to be suitable for measuring the dynamic oscillations of trees.