Description
The Three-Component Balance fi ts onto the working section of Subsonic Wind Tunnel. It may also be used with other subsonic wind tunnels of similar design. The Three-Component Balance provides an easy-to-use support system for wind tunnel models. It measures lift, drag and pitching moment exerted on the model. The balance attaches to the vertical wall of the wind tunnel working section. It is designed for air flows from right to left when the balance is viewed from the front. The balance comprises a mounting plate secured to the wind tunnel working section. A triangular force plate is held on the mounting plate by a mechanism that constrains it to move in a plane parallel to the mounting plate only, while leaving it free to rotate about a horizontal axis. This arrangement provides the necessary three degrees of freedom. Models for use with the balance are available from atico. Other models used with the equipment will need a mounting stem. The forces acting on the model are transmitted by cables to three strain gauged load cells. The output from each load cell is taken via an amplifier to a microprocessor-controlled display module. The display module mounts onto the wind tunnel control and instrumentation frame and includes a digital display to show the lift, drag and pitching moment directly. The equipment is fully compatible with Versatile Data Acquisition System (VDAS and can quickly and conveniently connect to a frame-mounting interface unit. Using enables accurate real-time data capture, monitoring, display, calculation and charting of all relevant parameters on a suitable computer (computer available separately). The model support of the balance can be rotated by 360 degrees. This allows adjustment of the angle of incidence of the model to the direction of air flow. The model support is locked in the required position by a simple clamp after adjustment. The Angle Feedback Unit (available separately) fits onto the Three-Component Balance and transmits the rotational angle of the test model back to the automatic data acquisition unit.
Learning Outcomes
- Optional ancillary to modular Subsonic Wind Tunnel
- Provides a convenient support system for models to measure the lift, drag and pitching moment
- Fully compatible with Versatile Data Acquisition System to enable accurate real-time data capture, monitoring and display on a computer
- Digital display shows lift, drag and pitching moment directly
- Fully adjustable for varying the angle of incidence to the direction of air flow
Specifications
- ATICO is committed to a programmed of continuous improvement; hence we reserve the right to alter the design and product specification without prior notice.
- Dimensions:
Balance (on frame): width 480 mm x depth 360 mm x height 550 mm
Display module: width 140 mm x depth 125 mm x height 450 mm
Packed for export: 0.5 m3 - Nett weights:
Balance on calibration frame: 18 kg
Display module: 3.5 kg
Packed for export: 50 kg - Capacity:
Lift 100 N
Drag 50 N
Pitching moment 2.5 Nm - Models:
Models are available from ATICO
Other models will need a 12 mm x 220 mm mounting
stem
Operating Conditions
- Operating Environment: Laboratory
- Storage Temperature Range : –25°C to +55°C (when packed for transport)
- Operating Temperature range: +5°C to +40°C
- Operating relative humidity range: 80% at temperatures < 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C
