drag Archives - Interface

In the development of an airborne vehicle, like a plane or helicopter, wind tunnel systems are used to gather data across a variety of tests related to the aerodynamics of the vehicle’s design. Whether an object is stationary or mobile, wind tunnels provide insight into the effects of air as it moves over or around the test model. Interface is a supplier of measurement solutions used for aircraft and wind tunnel testing.

Wind tunnels are chambers that test small scale model versions of full systems, or in some cases, parts and components, depending on the size and capabilities of the wind tunnel. They work by allowing the engineers to control airflow within the tunnel and simulate the types of wind force that airplanes and other aircraft will experience in flight. Wind tunnels are also used for testing automobiles, bicycles, drones and space vehicles.

By taking careful measurements of the forces on the model, the engineer can predict the forces on the full-scale aircraft. And by using special diagnostic techniques, the engineer can better understand and improve the performance of the aircraft.

The process for measuring the force and how it reacts to this force works by mounting the model in the wind tunnel on a force balance or test stand. The output is a signal that is related to the forces and moments on the model. Balances can be used to measure both the lift and drag forces. The balance must be calibrated against a known value of the force before, and sometimes during, the test.

Interface’s strain gage load cells are commonly used in wind tunnel testing due to their quality, accuracy and reliability. The instrumentation requirements often depend on the application and type of test. The range of options for both load cells and instrumentation vary based on scale, use, cycle counts, and data requirements.

Instrumentation used in wind tunnel testing can be as simple as our 9325 Portable Sensor Display to a multi-channel data acquisition system. Interface analog, digital and wireless instrumentation solutions provide a range of possibilities. As is the case, wind tunnel testing is typically very sensitive. It is important to calibrate the instrumentation before each test to measurement accuracy.

Types of Wind Tunnel Tests Using Force Measurement Solutions

Lift and drag: Load cells are used to measure the two most significant forces that impact aircraft design. Lift is the force that acts perpendicular to the direction of airflow and keeps the craft airborne. Drag is the force that acts parallel to the direction of airflow and opposes forward motion.
Side force: This force acts perpendicular to both the direction of airflow and the lift force. It is caused by the difference in pressure between the upper and lower surfaces of the aircraft.
Moments: Moments are the forces that act around a point. The most common moments measured in wind tunnels are the pitching moment, the yawing moment, and the rolling moment.
Stability and control: Tests conducted to measure the stability and controllability of an aircraft are commonly using force measurement solutions for aircraft design changes or integrating new parts into an existing model.
Performance: Particularly important with new designs, engineers use these tests to measure the simulated flight performance under maximum speed, range and fuel efficiency.

The specific tests that are conducted in a wind tunnel depend on the project requirements.

Multi-Axis Sensors for Wind Tunnel Testing Applications

In measuring the forces of a wind tunnel test, multi-axis sensors offer the perfect solution for collecting as much data as possible across every axis, giving the engineer a more complete picture on the aerodynamics of the plane. In fact, Interface has supplied multi-axis load cells for use in several wind tunnel testing applications, for OEMs, testing facilities and part makers.

We offer a variety of multi-axis options including 2, 3 and 6-axis standard and high-capacity configurations depending on testing and data requirements of the user. These sensors can precisely measure the applied force from one direction with little or no crosstalk from the force or moment. Interface products provide excellent performance and accuracy in force and torque measurement.

To match the demands of the volumes of data available using multi-axis sensors in wind tunnel testing, Interface often provides several data acquisition instrumentation solution along with our BlueDAQ software.

Wind Tunnel Test Application

A major aerospace company was developing a new airplane and needed to test their scaled model for aerodynamics in a wind tunnel, by measuring loads created by lift and drag. Interface Model 6A154 6-Axis Load Cell was mounted in the floor of the wind tunnel and connected to the scaled model by a stalk. The wind tunnel blew air over the scaled model creating lift and drag, which was measured and compared to the theoretical airplane models. The output of the 6-axis sensor was connected to the BX8-AS Interface BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System, which was connected via USB cable to a computer. Using this solution, the company was able to analyze the collected data and made the necessary adjustments in their design to improve the aerodynamics of their theoretical airplane models.

Interface supports wind tunnel testing and all uses of force measurement in the advancements in aeropspace.

Wind tunnel testing is critical to the aircraft industry, as well as other industries like automotive and space. Interface has been providing multi-axis sensors and strain gage load cells to industry leaders and wind tunnel operators. We understand the unique needs of this type of testing and the instrumentation options that work best with our high-accuracy sensors. We also can work to provide custom solutions, load cells for use in extreme environmental conditions. Contact us to get the right solution for your specific testing program.

Additional Resources

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Interface Airplane Static Testing Case Study

Taking Flight with Interface Solutions for Aircraft Testing

Aircraft Yoke Torque Measurement

Aircraft Screwdriver Fastening Control App Note

Interface’s Crucial Role in Vehicle and Urban Mobility Markets

Rigging Engineers Choose Interface Measurement Solutions

One of the greatest pastimes in the world are amusement parks. They bring fun and thrills for all generations with attractions for purposes of entertainment that include rides, shows, and games.

There is also a lot that goes into building an amusement park to keep the thrills high and the safety even higher. In addition, many types of theme park and carnival amusements keep innovating like most things in our society. The first historical reference amusement ride came around in the 1880s in the form of a carousel found at Dreamland Margate in England. The ride that was in the form of a ship and would pitch daring thrill seekers up and down like they were at sea.

Today, the level of entertainment is far more demanding of adventure and reality. Amusement entertainment continues to evolve through all types of animatronics, interactive screens, alternative realities, and physical adventure. This also requires a great deal of imagination and innovation backed by science and engineering to keep the audience captivated throughout the experience. This is also where Interface plays a significant part in amusement adventure testing and safety monitoring.

Critical in designing and building amusement park rides and other entertainment features is the application of force sensing before, during and after production. When you think about the different variables that go into building a roller coaster, you often think about velocity, drag, and gravitational energy. Factors that also play a massive role are weight, torque, and force. There are no exceptions to accuracy when measuring and evaluating these factors. It requires precision measurements from quality sensor technologies.

Interface load cells, torque transducers, and instrumentation are used in all types of entertainment and amusement applications. The reasons are apparent, it is because quality, safety, and durability matters. It also defines the believability and exhilaration of the experience. Our products are used in the engineering and design of amusement rides, as well as testing a myriad of components for these types of systems and apparatus. In addition to testing force to ensure an amusement park ride meets standards before it is available to the public, our load cells are utilized as embedded sensors to ensure the rides are working properly in use. The real-time feedback in testing and during use provides makers and engineers vital data to demonstrate adherence to many safety regulations and requirements needed for these types of systems in the entertainment industry.

Interface has provided sensors technologies to makers of all types of amusement park rides and forms of carnival-like entertainment. Our load cell and instrumentation devices are used to provide measurements of force for ground-level rides, twirling rides, roller coasters, railroad and transportation experiences, water rides, Ferris and rotational wheels, and about anything that spins or lifts you off the ground.

In addition to amusement park rides, Interface has helped to supply accurate and reliability force solutions for the following applications that found throughout the amusement park experience.

Amusement Animatronics and Robotics

To ensure maximum effect, quality of product development, and safety regulations, entertainment product makers use force testing and monitoring in wide variety of entertainment-related applications. Not only is this at the early stage of testing, but through the equipment’s life cycle. Continuous measurement using load cells and other sensor devices is key to the successful launch and use across all type of entertainment sectors. Another growing use case for force and torque measurement is automation of equipment and robotics, including simulation environments and animatronics.

Touch Screen Testing for Venus Displays

Monitors and displays are commonly used in all types of entertainment and amusement venues. From ticketing to directional aids, these touch screens are used by consumers with varying forces. The testing of the material durability to withstand the touch, as well as environmental conditions, packing and shipping, set-up and long-term wear is critical for those that design, manufacture, and supply this type of equipment. Entertainment has been using big screens for decades, the smaller and more mobile touch pads require rigorous test and measurement before putting them into use, not only for quality of product but also for consumer use and safety. Interface supplies load cells and instrumentation for testing forces of the glass, display housing, stands, rigging and inserts for all types of touch screens and LED screens.

Entertainment Component Manufacturing

Interface has been designing and building a variety of sensors for more than five decades that have been used in a variety of entertainment applications. More than ever, today we understand it is imperative that sensor solutions meet the needs of smart use cases, pushing innovation and solve modern design and testing challenges. This particularly applies to the constantly evolving global entertainment and amusement industry. Interface offers a broad range of force measurement products for testing, monitoring, and embedding sensors into products and components supplied to the industry. This includes our load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, miniature load cells, digital instrumentation, wireless and Bluetooth telemetry systems, and custom force measurement devices for OEM applications.

These are just a few examples of how Interface helps create the experience you will find at amusement parks, but there is so much more we are able to assist with to ensure product quality and safety.

To learn more about other entertainment industry applications, read more here.

Entertainment-Brochure

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Entertainment and Amusement Industry Solutions

Entertainment LED Screens

Gaming Hardware Benefits from Force Measurement Solutions