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The accuracy of internal wind tunnel balances for wind tunnel force measurements, the problem of definition and verification

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

B. Ewald
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Abstract

For the definition of the acccuracy of an internal strain gauge balance no general agreement exists. So it is difficult or even impossible, to compare balances from different manufacturers or balances used at different places.

Since most wind tunnel tests at least in the aeronautical field are done on a reference basis i.e. the results are compared with earlier results achieved with a more or less different configuration, repeatability is at least as important as absolute accuracy or even more important. So also repeatability, which in a physical sense is quite different from accuracy, must be defined and proven for each balance.

With the examples of several balances manufactured for the DNW (Deutsch-Niederländischer Windkanal) and ETW (European transonic tunnel) accuracy and repeatability definitions are discussed.

A proposal for a generally binding definition of accuracy and repeatability is given.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 105 , Issue 1050 , August 2001 , pp. 443 - 449
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2001 

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References

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