
In the lab we have an aerodynamic balance specifically designed for the Lund wind tunnel. The balance measures lift, drag and pitch moment at a resolution of 0.005 N. The forces are measured by three Kistler 9207 quartz force sensors, to measure drag, lift and pitch moment. Each sensor is connected to a Kistler 5037B3 three channel amplifier which is fed with 15 V from an Instek GPS-4303 DC power supply. The amplifier provides a -10 to 10 V force-relative output. The maximum range of force on each sensor is ±5 N. The amplifier is connected to an Advantech PCI-1710 PC Lab-card in a stand-alone personal computer. The input values are read and interpreted by custom built programs created in Matlab. The balance consists of a metric table that is directly mounted on the force transducers. On the metric table a sting is mounted with a holder of models for measurement at its upper end. The holder allows different angles of attack to be investigated with an easy adjustment.
Last modified 16 Oct 2012
The drag of a stuffed swift body has been measured using the aerodynamic balance.