Extremely Small Balance Technology

The primary objective of the SBIR research program is to develop small balance technologies having the capability to accurately measure forces and moments on extremely small weapon store systems. The small size of the balance disqualifies the use of traditional metal-foil strain gages due to manufacturing size and resolution limitations. Ahmic’s proposed innovative approach is focused on the successful implementation and demonstration of advanced semiconductor gages. In Phase II, a custom semiconductor strain gage will be designed and manufactured specifically for small balance applications. The gage will improve upon the performance and accuracy of commercially available semiconductor and foil strain gages. Advanced FEA and topology optimization techniques will be implemented to guide the balance design process. Over the program, two iterations of six-component balance will be designed, manufactured, instrumented, and calibrated. The balances will undergo an extensive experimental campaign in relevant subsonic and supersonic flow environments including a large-scale facility. Test data will be validated with other balance results and companion flow simulations. The balance will be shown to meet all SBIR performance standards. The program will conclude with a commercial six-component balance, calibration report, and support documentation being delivered to AEDC.