Design and application of wind tunnel strain gauge balance protective device based on 3D printing

The strain gauge balance is the main equipment used in wind tunnel test, which has an important influence on the quality of test data and operational efficiency. To improve the balance self-protection performance and lower balance failure rate in test operations, a quick development method based on three-dimensional (3D) printing for the wind tunnel strain gauge balance (SGB) protective device is proposed. By decomposing the design factors, the key factors pertaining to the design of balance protective device are studied. A design flow and method based on 3D printing is put forward. The 3D printing technology can be applied to the optimization of balance guards in two aspects:(1) to optimize and visualize design schemes; (2) to protect strain gauges and circuit on balances for wind tunnel tests. Both water-cooled balance protective device and assembly type mechanical protective device are designed. For the water-cooled device with complex internal structure, 3D printing technology makes design to be visualized, which is helpful for design verification before manufacturing. The assembly type product, manufactured by means of 3D printing technology, is applied in corresponding balance protection for wind tunnel force measurement test. The perfect combination of strain gauge balances with their highly customized, lightweight balance protective devices by 3D printing, serves not only to protect the strain gauges and wires from damages in the process of calibration, transportation, model assembly and testing, but also to make impressive visual artworks of the balances, rendering them functional, practical, economical and artistic. Compared with machining of a balance protective device in the traditional way, 3D printing can greatly reduce the processing cycle and the cost. Meanwhile design visualization can validate technical solutions in the design stage. Both applications promote the overall performance of the balance.