A strain sensor includes a load carrying body configured to strain in
response to a load applied along a load path. The sensor further includes
a magnetostrictive electrical conductor affixed to the body but out of
the load path. Application of the load causes the body to strain, which
in turn results in a proportional stress being imparted to the
magnetostrictive conductor, altering its magnetic permeability. A circuit
is electrically connected to the conductor to detect such changes in
permeability, which are indicative of the applied load.