Wind Tunnel Balance Correction for Structural Motion Effects

ABSTRACT: M4 Engineering proposes to develop a method for accurately correcting wind tunnel force measurements by removing the inertial component of load. This effort will effectively utilize novel sensors to determine inertial loads due to excitation of multiple structural dynamic modes resulting from a broadband loading environment. This work will include demonstration of the proposed technology on a hardware prototype CTS system. The proposed development will create an excellent compliment to modern test and analysis methods. BENEFIT: The proposed development has the potential to dramatically improve the wind tunnel testing process for aerospace vehicles. Demand for this capability will be found in the government and at major airframe manufacturers. Phase II development will result in a commercial package including sensors and processing software that satisfies this demand. Application of these methods to wind tunnel testing data will result in increased accuracy and therefore improved prediction of vehicle behavior during development, testing, and service. One commercialization strategy currently being pursued by M4 Engineering is combination of advanced data processing techniques and additional sensors with existing strain gage based balances. M4 Engineering has begun discussions with leading balance manufacturers as well as airframe developers on potential commercial offerings based on wind tunnel measurement technology developed at M4. Satisfying this existing demand will provide a tremendous commercial potential for this technology.