External six-component strain gauge balance for low speed wind tunnels

The external six-component wind tunnel balance designed and manufactured in the Military Technical Institute is described in this paper. The balance is of a platform type. Aerodynamic load which acts on a model in the wind tunnel test section is transferred into the set of six load cells. The relations between the aerodynamic load and the forces measured using the balance load cells are presented. All load cells are gauged with foil strain gauges. The results of the balance calibration are shown. The balance calibration was done using dead weights.