Three Component Balance
Model Number: AF1600T
Supports wind tunnel models and measures lift, drag, and pitching moment in subsonic airflow.
Overview
The Three-Component Balance fits onto the working section of TecQuipment’s Subsonic Wind Tunnel (AF1600). It may also be used with other subsonic wind tunnels of similar design. The Three-Component Balance provides an easy-to-use support system for wind tunnel models. It measures lift, drag and pitching moment exerted on the model. The balance attaches to the vertical wall of the wind tunnel working section. The forces acting on the model are transmitted by cables to three strain gauged load cells. The output from each load cell is taken via an amplifier to a microprocessor-controlled display module, which includes a digital display to show the lift, drag and pitching moment directly. The model support of the balance can be rotated by 360 degrees to adjust the angle of incidence of the model to the direction of air flow.
Features
- Measures lift, drag, and pitching moment on wind tunnel models
- Fits the working section of TecQuipment’s AF1600 Subsonic Wind Tunnel
- Can also be used with other subsonic wind tunnels of similar design
- Attaches to the vertical wall of the wind tunnel working section
- Provides three degrees of freedom through its force plate mechanism
- Uses three strain gauged load cells with amplifier outputs
- Includes a microprocessor-controlled display module with direct digital readout
- Model support rotates through 360° for angle of incidence adjustment
- Simple clamp locks the model support in the required position
- Compatible with TecQuipment’s VDAS® for real-time data capture and charting
Specifications
- Compatible wind tunnel: TecQuipment Subsonic Wind Tunnel (AF1600)
- Also suitable for: Other subsonic wind tunnels of similar design
- Measurements: Lift, drag, and pitching moment
- Mounting position: Attaches to the vertical wall of the wind tunnel working section
- Airflow orientation: Designed for air flows from right to left when viewed from the front
- Degrees of freedom: Three
- Load sensing: Three strain gauged load cells
- Signal processing: Amplifiers to a microprocessor-controlled display module
- Display: Digital display for direct readout of lift, drag, and pitching moment
- Angle adjustment: Model support rotates by 360 degrees
- Data acquisition compatibility: TecQuipment VDAS® via VDAS®-F interface unit
Items Included
- Three-Component Balance assembly
- Mounting plate
- Triangular force plate and support mechanism
- Three strain gauged load cells
- Amplifier circuitry
- Microprocessor-controlled display module with digital display
Requirements
- TecQuipment AF1600 Subsonic Wind Tunnel or another subsonic wind tunnel of similar design
- A mounting stem is required when using models other than TecQuipment models
- VDAS®-F interface unit is required for connection to TecQuipment’s VDAS®
- A suitable computer is required for VDAS® data capture, monitoring, display, calculation, and charting