Wind Tunnel Balance

Full Size System

The HORIBA Full Scale 6 Component External Wind Tunnel Balance is a platform-type balance. A computer program is used to calculate the forces Fx (Longitudinal-Force), Fy (Lateral-Force), Fz (Vertical-Force) and the three moments Mx (Roll-Moment), My (Pitch-Moment), Mz (Yaw-Moment) from the six force sensor signals. This ‘computer-separation’ method is to be distinguished from other balance types using mechanical separation methods.

Robust and maintenance free balance construction

The advantage of the HORIBA balance system is a very robust, simple, long term stable and maintenance free construction of the balance. No lever systems and no hydraulics are used. Also, no tare compensation system is necessary.

Highest accuracy of 0.02 % to 0.05 %

Even small force components in the order of 1 N (100 gram) can be measured while a static preload of approx. 150000 N (15 tons) in Vertical-Force direction is applied caused by the mass of the balance platform, wheel spinner masses and vehicle mass. By using high quality load cells and a precise high resolution digital amplifier system, highest measurement accuracies in the order of 0.02 % to 0.05% of full measuring range can be achieved. The measuring range of vertical force is up to 15000 N. Additionally, the cross interference of different force components is eliminated by special calibration and data evaluation methods.

Segment: Automotive

Division: Mechatronics

Manufacturing Company: HORIBA Europe GmbH

Features
Applications

Features:

Highly accurate measurement resolution and repeatability.
Separation of aerodynamic forces and moments by special “Aerocomp” software.
Modular, integrated design for ease of installation and maintenance.
High quality, performance-selected load cells, developed by HORIBA incorporating.
System design, build, test and calibration at HORIBA facility prior to delivery.
Control and measurement system software based on MS Windows.
Maintenance free balance system and long-term in-calibration operation.
Integrated customized subsystems available:
- 5 Belt steel ground simulation system
- Distributed boundary layer suction system
- Full automated test car docking system
- Integrated car lift units
One partner with responsibilities for all systems.
Complete understanding and technical support for all aspects of the system.

Improvement of vehicle’s drag coefficient in the wind tunnel

In order to optimize vehicles dynamics with regard to their speed characteristics and acceleration, fuel economy as well as handling, it is necessary to improve the vehicle’s drag coefficient (Cd). Drag is the force that impacts the vehicle dynamics in direction of the airflow. The drag coefficient is the main measurement of a vehicle’s aerodynamics. In research and development, manufacturers work on optimizing various performance characteristics in wind tunnel tests, including the drag coefficient.

Improvement of aeroacoustics of vehicles in the wind tunnel

The improvement of vehicle’s aeroacoustics plays a major role in the development process regarding comfort and customer perception as well as safety. The necessary acoustic measurements are carried out in a wind tunnel. In order to optimize the wind noise performance for the driver it is necessary to minimize the aeroacoustics noise sources generated by the vehicle's shape.

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