Fully automatic calibration machine for internal 6-component wind tunnel balance including cryogenic balances

The authors describe an automatic calibration machine for calibrating internal wind-tunnel balances. The automation is mainly achieved by using a specially designed force measuring device, similar to an external wind tunnel balance. The loading is performed by means of six force generators, according to the six aerodynamic components of the balance. Descriptions are given of the relevant aspects of accuracy, and signal resolution, the mechanical design of the calibration rig, the controlling and safeguarding of the applied forces, and some general aspects of the positioning and alignment of the internal balance to be calibrated