The Ate AEROTECH (ATE) Overhead External 6 Component Wind Tunnel Balance is a precision instrument, designed for accurate measurement of the aerodynamic loads on scale model racing cars. Located above the test section of a wind tunnel, it allows the user to test models with a moving belt ground plane without compromising the balance measurements. The moment resolution centre is designed to be coincidental with the top surface of the tunnel floor. The balance separates the total aerodynamic load into its six individual components and then each component is measured by a single dedicated, highly accurate loadcell without the need to sum or difference signals in computer software.
Typical Technical Summary
| Component | Load Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Fx Drag | 1000 N | The above figures are typical only as each balance is designed and manufactured to customer specific requirements. Different load ranges can usually be accommodated. Combined maximum error (1 sigma) of each component is expected to be better than 0.04% – in some cases better than 0.02% (particularly in Drag and Down Force). |
| Fy Side Force | 500 N | |
| Fz Down Force | 3000 N | |
| Mx Roll Moment | 150 N | |
| My Pitch Moment | 600 N | |
| Mz Yaw Moment | 250 N |