Comparative Analysis of Two Cryogenic Force Balance Calibration Systems

Cryogenic wind-tunnel facilities face unique challenges in the calibration and operation of various measurement systems and instrumentation. Instruments that are subjected to the cryogenic conditions of the test plenum require careful design and calibration procedures to maintain instrument performance. NASA’s National Transonic Facility (NTF) and the European Transonic Windtunnel (ETW) are two cryogenic wind-tunnel facilities, each with the ability to calibrate force measurement systems (FMS) at cryogenic conditions. These facilities have different methodologies and processes for calibrating these systems. This paper discusses differences in the methodologies and processes and compares the results of two separate cryogenic calibrations of the NTF-118A force balance that were completed at both wind-tunnel facilities.