4-components Wind Tunnel Load Cell with Aerostatic Bearing Methods

Abstract

Aerostatic bearing load cell which is available to measure 3-components aerodynamic forces and torque is developed. Each table to detect the forces is floating by air pressure and balanced by a pair of coil springs. The model in the wind tunnel is connected with fine piano wires to a light frame on the unit. The wind loads acting on the model shift the each table within short distances. These shift magnitudes are measured with laser displacement devices. Aerodynamic torque is counted by spinning decay ratios of the model. As a result, this load cell has some specific characteristics to measure the forces, such as good linearity, high resolution, less interference and less temperature drift. The validity of this new apparatus is shown by the aerodynamic forces and torque measurements on highly spinning golf ball.