First we need to look at how to outline the process as to determine the principal

stresses and strain using a three-element rosette strain gage. Rectangular, three-element

strain gage rosettes consist of three individual strain gage elements oriented precisely 45°

apart, allowing the resolution of principal strains and principal directions regardless of

the orientation of the rosette or the applied stress/strain. Three-element strain gage

rosettes are used when it is desired to measure εx, εy, and γxy, induced at a point (or

equivalently, when the principal strains and principal directions are unknown).