Wind Tunnel Balances

Strain Gage Wind Tunnel Balances – Precision Solutions for the Aerospace Industry

At Modern Machine & Tool Co., Inc. (MM&T), we specialize in designing and manufacturing Multicomponent Strain Gage Wind Tunnel Balances for the aerospace industry. Our one-piece compound balances provide superior accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional multi-piece balances. With decades of expertise in precision measurement, we ensure each balance meets the rigorous demands of aerodynamic testing.

Speak With Us Today!

Features of Our Six-Component Wind Tunnel Balances

  • Simultaneous and independent measurement of:
  • Normal Force
  • Axial Force
  • Pitch Moment
  • Roll Moment
  • Yaw Moment
  • Side Force
  • Strain Gage Bridge Resistances available from 120 Ohms to 5000 Ohms
  • Maximum excitation voltage capabilities up to 20 Volts
  • Output voltage ranges from 5mV to 20mV Full Scale
  • Temperature compensation for span and zero errors from -20°F to +180°F
  • Overload safety factors greater than 2:1
  • Combined linearity, hysteresis, and repeatability accuracies from 0.1% to 0.5% Full Scale
  • Hundreds of stock designs available
  • Custom model and sting attachment designs
  • Unique balance designs tailored to meet special load or installation requirements

Custom Balances and Specialized Sensors

In addition to our standard multicomponent wind tunnel balances, MM&T offers a range of custom force and moment measuring solutions for aerospace testing:

  • External Multicomponent Balances
  • Custom Load Cells
  • Rotating Multicomponent Balances
  • Control Surface Hinge Moment Sensors
  • Powered Model Motor Torque and Thrust Balances
  • Waterproof Internal Six-Component Balances
  • Strain Gaged Composite Wings, Control Surfaces, and Rotor Blades
  • Semiconductor Strain Gaging for low-level dynamic signal measurement
  • Specialized balances for use in cryogenic environments
  • Helicopter rotor balances for six-component measurements of rotating model rotor systems
  • Integral force and moment balances for aerodynamic model control surfaces

Typical Six-Component Balance Specifications:

Our Six-Component Wind Tunnel Balances are available in various sizes and specifications to meet diverse testing requirements. Below are typical specifications for balance diameters and load capacities:

DIA "D" INCHES LENGTH "L" INCHES LOAD (LB or IN.LB) AXIAL FORCE PITCH MOMENT PITCH MOMENT YAW MOMENT SIDE FORCE
0.400 3.750 3 2 5 3 3 2
0.500 4.700 75 15 75 15 25 25
0.750 6.250 150 30 200 50 100 75
1.000 8.375 400 100 600 100 200 100
1.250 10.000 600 200 1500 400 700 300
1.500 11.500 1500 300 2500 800 1200 600
1.750 12.250 2000 400 3500 1500 2000 800
2.000 12.750 3000 500 7500 3000 3000 1200
3.000 24.250 3000 500 25000 10000 10000 1100
4.000 24.250 5500 500 40000 24000 12000 1000
5.000 26.000 7500 3500 90000
Share by: