Test Technology: Force Measurement

Within NASA most force measurements systems are utilized in either wind tunnel or propulsion tests. Measurements are made by mounting the research model (full or scaled airframe model, jet/rocket engine, parachutes, deployable/inflatable structures, etc) to measure the aerodynamic or propulsive forces and moments in six degrees of freedom.

Fundamentally, force measurement systems are used to measure resultant forces/moments on a test article. These forces can be measured using a variety of different techniques and instrument types, including simple gaging of structural elements directly on the test article, or using internal/external balances to which the test article is mounted.

Test Technology's force measurement technology has the capability to yield different forms of information from known measurement techniques for measuring strain and force. New usages, modifications and information that come from existing techniques may result in system improvements for both research, design and testing.