An Aerodynamic Metrologist's Guide to Dynamic Force Measurement

Published

June 14, 2022

Author(s)

Nicholas Vlajic, Akobuije Chijioke, Devin Burns, Peter Parker

Abstract

Static aerodynamic force measurement is generally of interest in both low and high speed ground test facilities, but dynamic force measurement is typically associated with higher speed facilities. This work will show that dynamic force measurement is relevant to all aerodynamic metrologists since wind tunnel test system dynamics can change the force transducer's dynamic sensitivity resulting in differences between the static and dynamic sensitivity. In addition, the field of dynamic force measurement will be introduced using realistic wind tunnel testing scenarios, wherein the wind tunnel system dynamics contribute to increased uncertainty in what would otherwise be considered a static force measurement. A design approach focused on estimating the dynamic response is presented to assist the reader in meeting measurement objectives through the use of static force measurement techniques where possible. To that end, a reduced-order model is developed to aid in understanding the dynamic response of the system, and can serve as a predictive tool in the design process. Following, strategies for characterizing wind tunnel system dynamics which are useful in determining acceptable bandwidths wherein the static measurements may be sufficient are discussed. In the event that systems have undesirable dynamic characteristics which cannot be avoided in the design process, two dynamics compensation techniques that may be used to correct the measured signals are discussed. Dynamic force measurement strategies that have been used in wind tunnel facilities are referenced throughout to provide broader context for how these approaches fit within existing practice.

Citation

AIAA Journal of Aircraft

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C036676

Local Download

Keywords

Dyanmic Force, Wind Tunnel Testing, Force Balance

Citation

Vlajic, N. , Chijioke, A. , Burns, D. and Parker, P. (2022), An Aerodynamic Metrologist's Guide to Dynamic Force Measurement, AIAA Journal of Aircraft, [online], https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C036676, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=931966 (Accessed April 19, 2025)