Full Scale Development and Demonstration of an Automated Active Damper Sting

Unwanted vibration of heavy, sting-mounted cantilevered models is an ongoing issue for wind tunnel facilities. As noted in this SBIR topic solicitation, “unsteady flow generated on models can result in vibration and oscillation of the model support system. Such motions, whether generated by the aerodynamics alone and/or in coupled with support system structure, result in contaminated data due to the unexpected motion of the model support system.â€Â Further, such vibration can result in damage to mounting systems as well as to expensive strain gauge balances. Solutions that involve restrictions on test envelopes, tunnel speed, or other reductions in the desired test matrix limit the productivity and information needed for a test. Based on successful Phase I results, ViGYAN will design and fabricate an Advanced Active Damping System (AADS) that utilizes high torque motors and an auto-tuning control system that offers in excess of 20 dB reductions for pitch and yaw vibrations of wind tunnel stings. The system will function in large wind tunnels such as the AEDC 16T facility.