Creation of first Russian aerodynamic balance has taken place in the beginning of XIX century and is related to the name of N.E. Zhukovsky. It was the mechanical balance using which N.E. Zhukovsky has conducted his famous experiments on determination of aerodynamic performances of bodies.
Modern aerodynamic balances are based on strain gauge principle of transformation of a load into electric signal and are characterized by:

• Wide range of measured loads — transonic wind tunnels (WT);
• Wide temperature range — hypersonic WT;
• Fast response time — hypersonic WT with short operation time;
• Possibility of measurement of aerodynamic loads, acting on rotating propellers and rotors of aircraft and helicopters.

By their functional possibilities the balance may be placed inside the tested model, in a supporting facility, on a WT test section wall etc. In TsAGI the department of measurement technique and metrology deals with balance development, having 50-year experience ion this area. Success of conducted in TsAGI studies of aerodynamic performances of practically all types of modern aircraft is closely related to the developments of this department.

In a department a variety of aerodynamic balances is developed with external and internal location of sensitive elements. With them TsAGI transonic wind tunnels are equipped. Using these balances various foreign contracts were successfully conducted. Among the last works of a department development of a balance for tests of semi-models according to contract with «Boeing» company and models of passenger aircraft with «Embreier» company (Brazil) in a large TsAGI transonic wind tunnel should be outlined.

Development of hypersonic aerodynamics posed a number of new problems related to measurement of aerodynamic loads. Among them are: high flow temperature, low level of aerodynamic loads and small measurement time. Result of solution of the listed problems was development by specialists of a department of a set of cooled internal balances for hypersonic facilities of periodic action, balance for small loads for vacuum wind tunnels and fast response balance for pulsed and shock wind tunnels. One of last works in this area was development of a balance for tests of a «Hermes» model in a large hypersonic, cryogenic — vacuum and shock wind tunnels according to contract with «Dassault» company.

An important problem of experimental aerodynamics is study of performances of air propellers. Specialists of a department found the original solutions, so rotating balance for measurement of loads on coaxial propellers and rotors of aircraft and helicopters were developed. One of last works in this area was development of a balance for a model of a power plant of a passenger aircraft of «Sokonostar» company.

For calculation and analysis of a stressed-deformed state of a balance specialists of a department have developed the calculation scheme based on a finite element method. Test rigs for calibration and study of balance characteristics were developed. Among them is a test rig with a floating table, automatically supporting the balance in an initial position during the calibration process. The background of successful activity of a department is permanent scientific search in following directions: study of characteristics of materials for strain gauge balance, perfection of technology and wiring, development of methods of thermal compensation, heat- and humidity protection, error reduction and increase of balance reliability.

We offer mutually beneficial cooperation with your company.

We are ready to consider in detail and operatively your tasks and needs in aerodynamic strain gauge balances. Time of development and delivery of complicated multi-component balance makes up to 9-12 months starting from the moment of coordination of technical requirements and contract signing. Available practical experience, scientific-technical and manufacturing potential allow guaranteeing high quality of our articles.