Dynamic calibration of magnetic suspension and balance system for sting-free measurement in wind tunnel tests

Abstract

To avoid flow disturbance generated by mechanical supports around a model and to guarantee flow quality, a magnetic suspension and balance system (MSBS) can be used to measure aerodynamic forces and moments during wind tunnel tests. We present a dynamic method for the efficient multiple degree of freedom calibration of an MSBS. The MSBS has linear characteristics that allow it to be used as a non-contact-type balance. Moreover, the MSBS can measure multi-component external forces at the same time. The calibration results were used to measure the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on a finite wing model over various angles of attack during wind tunnel tests, allowing the aerodynamic coefficients of the finite wing model to be successfully obtained without support interference.