Development of new systems to measure the aerodynamic forces on section models in wind tunnel testing

The paper is about the development of force measurement systems meant for use on section models in wind tunnels: concerning the sensor, special care has been devoted to the correction of some systematic effects, to the uncertainty analysis, and to the dynamic requirements, to measure the flutter derivatives too. The whole dynamometric set, linked to the model, is then moved by some devices like step motors or hydraulic actuators, to allow for moving the model in the vertical and rotation degree of freedom, with a full computer test control. The need for a complete knowledge of the performances of the measurement set-up is considered an essential preliminary step for reliability in wind tunnel testing. Two different solutions will be examined, taking care, above all, of their metrologic performances. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.