Aerodynamic Metrologists Guide to Dynamic Force Measurement

Static aerodynamic force measurement is generally of interest in both low- and high-speed ground test facilities, but dynamic force measurement is typically associated with higher-speed facilities. This work will show that dynamic force measurement is relevant to all aerodynamic metrologists because wind tunnel system dynamics can change the force transducer’s dynamic sensitivity resulting in differences between the static and dynamic sensitivity. In addition, the field of dynamic force measurement will be introduced using realistic wind tunnel scenarios, wherein the wind tunnel system dynamics contribute to increased uncertainty in what would otherwise be considered a static force measurement. A design approach focused on estimating the dynamic response is presented to achieve measurement objectives through the use of static force measurement techniques where possible. To that end, a reduced-order model is developed to characterize the dynamic response of the system, which can serve as a predictive tool in the design process. Then, strategies for characterizing wind tunnel system dynamics to determine acceptable bandwidths wherein the static measurements may be sufficient are discussed. In the event that systems have undesirable dynamic characteristics, which cannot be avoided in the design process, two dynamic compensation techniques to correct the measured signals are discussed.