Test Technology: Force Measurement
Force measurement systems are designed to measure the aerodynamic performance of aero-vehicles and/or their propulsion systems.
Focus Areas and Capabilities
Learn more about the specifications and capabilities of this facility.
Quick Facts
Within NASA most force measurements systems are utilized in either wind tunnel or propulsion tests. Measurements are made by mounting the research model (full or scaled airframe model, jet/rocket engine, parachutes, deployable/inflatable structures, etc) to measure the aerodynamic or propulsive forces and moments in six degrees of freedom.
Techniques
Fundamentally, force measurement systems are used to measure resultant forces/moments on a test article. These forces can be measured using a variety of different techniques and instrument types, including simple gaging of structural elements directly on the test article, or using internal/external balances to which the test article is mounted.
Capabilities
Test Technology's force measurement technology has the capability to yield different forms of information from known measurement techniques for measuring strain and force. New usages, modifications and information that come from existing techniques may result in system improvements for both research, design and testing.
AETC Test Technologies
Test Technology supports ATP by keeping NASA’s research test facilities and flight assets moving into the future.
As the world’s technologies continue to improve and research requirements become more demanding, Test Technology provides new and improved capabilities for measuring pressure, temperature, angle, strain, and air flow.
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AETC Ground Facilities
AETC sets the strategic direction for NASA’s versatile and comprehensive portfolio of ground test aeronautics research capabilities.
Among these assets are subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic wind tunnels and propulsion test facilities at Ames Research Center, Glenn Research Center, and Langley Research Center.
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AETC
Aerosciences Evaluation and Test Capabilities (AETC) Portfolio Office
The AETC Portfolio Office executes strategic efforts to preserve and enhance research and test capabilities for NASA’s world-class portfolio of National Wind Tunnel facilities.
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