Development and application of a six-component high precision cryogenic balance in wide temperature range

Strain gauge balance is a pivotal equipment for aerodynamic force measurement in wind tunnel force tests. In order to accurately predict aerodynamic characteristics under flight Reynolds number, accurate measurement of aerodynamic forces on the model is one of the key test technologies in cryogenic wind tunnels. In response to the demand for high-precision force measurement tests in cryogenic wind tunnels over a wide temperature range and a long period of time, focusing on the urgent need of high Reynolds number test application of domestic large aircraft, we have developed a high-precision six-component rear sting cryogenic balance for full modes in high Reynolds number tests based on extensive investigation of foreign cryogenic balance development technologies. According to the characteristics, difficulties and key technologies of cryogenic balances, optimization methods and criterion of cryogenic balance design are put forward, and the simulation prediction method of cryogenic balance based on CAE thermo-solid coupling is developed. The first cryogenic balance has completed the calibration of typical temperature points from normal temperature to 110 K, and the comprehensive calibration error is better than 0.1%. The typical cryogenic force measurement test in a wide temperature range shows that the newly developed cryogenic balance works stably, the aerodynamic force measurement is reliable and the law is reasonable. The established cryogenic balance development technologies will provide strong support for the research of Reynolds number effect of advanced aircraft in China.