Abstract: The axial thrust exerted on a rotating shaft, such as the shaft of a turbomachine rotor, is measured by a device comprising a resilient washer sandwiched between two flange members disposed around the shaft so that the axial thrust will cause axial compression of the washer between the two flange members, and displacement-measurement probes secured to a fixed structure for measuring the displacements of the flange members so that the axial thrust can be determined from the difference between the displacements and corresponding to the change in thickness of the resilient washer.

Abstract: For the purpose of taking measurements within a V-engine while it is running during development of the engine, a first of the two banks of piston and cylinders defining the V is provided with measurement sensors and is arranged to run normally performing the normal cycle of induction, compression, combustion, and exhaust, and each cylinder of the second bank has its fuel inlet closed and its combustion chamber open to the atmosphere whereby the second bank functions without compression and combustion and is effectively inert, the second bank serving as a mechanical support for conveying signals from the measurement sensors.