Abstract: This present disclosure is about a wind tunnel balance axial section. A wind tunnel balance is a sensor that measures six force/moment components from a test model in a wind tunnel. An axial section, one of the six measurement sections in the balance, is the hardest section to design because it is often required to measure an axial force which is much smaller than other force components. Therefore, there is a specific design requirement for the axial section to selectively amplify the axial force response and suppress the non-axial responses. This disclosure presents a sensor mechanism composed of elastic linkages to achieve this design requirements for the axial section.

Abstract: There is a need to develop new internal balance structures that allow for measurements of aerodynamic interference forces (e.g., powered descent forces) in addition to aerodynamic loads. For example, supersonic retropropulsion (SRP) is a technique involving thrusters in opposition to the oncoming airflow to decelerate an aircraft vehicle while traveling at supersonic speeds. SRP has been identified as a key entry, descent, and landing technology for future Mars missions and for reuse of rocket boosters on Earth. Because of the propellant and oxidizer mass required for the thrusters, currently proposed SRP configurations require a significant increase in performance and efficiency before considered an effective solution. The challenge is that this procedure may cause the air around the spacecraft to become unstable.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes internal force transducer balance system and related methods. One such system includes an internal balance having a cylindrical body extending axially along a longitudinal direction that includes an axial strain measurement component of the internal balance, wherein the axial strain measurement component is configured to measure an axial force applied to the internal balance. Disclosed he systems further includes an integral fluid flow path that continuously extends from the first end to the second end of the balance, wherein the integral fluid flow path is positioned in an interior core of the balance and is routed through the axial strain measurement component of the internal balance. The integral fluid flow path also comprises one or more turns as the integral fluid flow path is routed through the axial strain measurement component of the internal balance.