This product has been discontinued and is no longer available. You can still access this page for informational service purposes.

This product's features have been integrated into a new model. Continue to successor

Wind Tunnel Balance

Screenshot of a video showing the assembly of a wind tunnel balance at HORIBA.

Full Size System or Model Size System

The HORIBA 6-Component Wind Tunnel Balance System is a platform-type balance that provides the ability to measure the aerodynamic components drag, side force, lift force, rolling moment, pitch moment and yawing moment efficiently and with the highest accuracy.

The Wind Tunnel Balance is available as a Full Size System or or in a reduced scale as a Model Size System.

Robust and maintenance free balance construction

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. 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.

Advantages of the Full Scale Wind Tunnel Balance System:

Highly accurate measurement resolution and repeatability.
Separation of aerodynamic forces and moments by special “Aerocomp” software.
No mechanical levers or hydraulic systems to corrupt measurement data.
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. Calibration is good for minimum off five years.
Unique torsion ring principle.
Knowledge and experience based on thirty years of successful balance systems.
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 (to arrange modifications of the vehicle under body in a cost-effective way within the shortest possible time)

The benefits of having one company supplying both balance system and integrated moving ground plane simulation (Rolling Road) include:

Low risk integration of the components, interfaces and systems.
One partner with responsibilities for all systems.
Low risk system interfaces.
Complete understanding and technical support for all aspects of the system.

Features of the Full Scale Wind Tunnel Balance System:

Foundation Frame
Beta Drive
Balance Base Frame
Tension-Compression Units incl. Load Cells
Measuring Platform
Wheel Base and Wheel Track Adjustment for Wheel Spinning Units or Pad
Balance Data Acquisition System
Calibration Equipment
Proof of Accuracy and Repeatability
Zero Polar Calibration Function
Balance Overload and Safety System
Turntable
Electric and Control System

Features of the Model Size / Reduced Size Wind Tunnel Balance System

The HORIBA Model Scale 6 Component External Wind Tunnel Balance is ideal for automotive applications, but can also be used for other test objects such as aircraft models, ship models, motor bikes and others.

Applications

Use in research and development
Vehicle model measurement
Ship model measurement
Building model measurement
Further measuring objects
Direct measurement of all forces and moments without lever systems
Modular system with a variety of options

Options

Yaw angle adjustment via precision bearing. Adjustment is with the use of a controlled servo motor equipped with angle encoder.
Angle of attack adjustment via central strut. Adjustment is with the use of a servo motor equipped with angle encoder.
Balance calibration for additional reference points
Special measuring ranges for individual customer requirements
Foundation spacer for adjustment of balance to local situation
Moveable and height-adjustable foundation spacer for removal of balance from test section
Ethernet interface to host computer
Impact pressure acquisition
Special requests and solutions

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.

Request for Information

Do you have any questions or requests? Use this form to contact our specialists.

First name

Last name *

Company or Institution *

Postal code *

City

Country/Region *

State

Email address *

Phone

HORIBA Department

Your message *

I have read and agree to the HORIBA privacy notice

* These fields are mandatory.