Experiment 5(a):

Strain gauge balance: Calibration

Objective
Learn to use strain gauge balances and calibrate the balance.

Background
A four component balance for measuring force and moment is provided for this purpose. It
consists of set of 4 strain gauge circuits in wheatstones bridge configuration. The voltages
V1 , V2 , V3 and V4 from these strain gauges corresponds to the strain at the locations on the
balance structure. These voltages are affected by forces and moments about the loading point
M. Assuming a linear relationship, the dependence can be expressed as

∆V1 = K11 F1 + K12 M1 + K13 F2 + K14 M2

∆V2 = K21 F1 + K22 M1 + K23 F2 + K24 M2
∆V3 = K31 F1 + K32 M1 + K33 F2 + K34 M2
∆V4 = K41 F1 + K42 M1 + K43 F2 + K44 M2

The constants Kij are to be estimated by performing the calibration through the application
of known loads and moments to the balance structure.

Methodology
1. Measure the voltages (V1 , V2 , V3 and V4 ) for zero forces and moments.

2. Measure the voltages (V1 , V2 , V3 and V4 ) by varying any one the forces or moments (F1 , F2 , M1 , M2 )
by keeping other forces and moments constant

3. Repeat the above for other forces/moments

Deliverables
1. Plot the variation of voltages (V1 , V2 , V3 and V4 ) with varying F1 for constant F2 , M1 , M2 .

2. Repeat the above for other force (F2 ) and moments (M1 , M2 )

3. Calculate the values of Kij from the plots.

Equipment
1. Stain gauge balance with multimeter and power supply

2. Balance calibration rig

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 Experiment 5(b):
Strain gauge balance: Drag measurement

Objective
Measurement of drag using strain gauge balance.

Methodology
1. Measure the strain gauge voltages (V1 , V2 ) output for different free stream velocities.

2. Using the calibration data (see attached documnent) estimate the corresponding drag force
on the wind tunnel model.

Deliverables
1. Plot showing the variation of drag with Reynolds number.

2. Plot showing the variation of cd with Reynolds number and compare with literature.

Equipment
1. Subsonic wind tunnel

2. Airfoil model

3. Stain gauge balance with signal conditioner, digital storage oscilloscope (SDS1204X-E) and
power supply

Questions
1. Justify theoretically, the assumption of linearity between strain gauge output and the
applied forces and moments

2. Why can’t a single strain gauge be used for measuring strain, instead of a wheatstone’s
bridge

3. Why are two wheatstones bridges needed for the balance measuring aerodynamic drag
alone

4. Describe the various ways to improve the sensitivity of a drag-force balance

References
1. Cameron Tropea, Alexander.L.Yarin, John F Foss, Springer Handbook of experimental
fluid mechanics,Chapt.8, Springer.

2. https://www.elprocus.com/types-of-strain-gauge/

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 Experiment 6:
Drag estimation by wake survey

Objective
To determine the profile drag of a circular cylinder and an airfoil from wake velocity profiles.

Methodology
1. Measure Pitot pressures in the wake region using a Pitot probe.

2. Repeat the above for different free stream velocities.

3. Determine the momentum flux in the wake region and calculate the drag force.

Deliverables
1. Theoretical basis for drag estimation by integral momentum balance.

2. Variation of non-dimensional wake velocity profile (u/u∞ vs y/d) with Reynolds number
in a single figure.

3. Variation of cd (coefficient of profile drag per unit span) with Reynolds numbers and com-
pare the results with literature.

Equipment
1. Subsonic wind tunnel (Blower type)

2. Circular cylinder model and airfoil

3. Pitot tube with inclined tube manometer

Questions
1. Does the measured drag include the skin friction drag?

2. Will the measurements be affected by the location of the wake behind the cylinder?

References
1. Pijush Kundu, Iram.M.Cohen, Fluid Mechanics,Third Edition, Elsevier, Sec.5.7, 2004

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