Design optimization of strain gauge mounting cross section length of strain gauge balance component for wind tunnel application

The main purpose of this study is to optimize strain gauge mounting cross section length of strain gage (gauge) balance component to measure forces and moments experienced by test models. This is done by using three dimensional models of balance component using version NX 10.0 unigraphics software and the results are analysed using high- fidelity finite element modelling altair hyperworks software version13.0 and optistruct solver. It may be noted that a maximum diameter of 25 mm and 200 mm length is permitted for strain gauge balance component design. The material used for calculation of the balance component is maraging C-250 steel with maximum yield stress of 1655 N/mm2. It is very important that designer is supposed to choose the strain gauge mounting cross section length by considering the limits of the design. Distance between front and aft loading location is specifically 100 mm. The present work involves design of cross sectional length for wind tunnel integral strain gauge balance component with minimum factor of safety of 2.5, maximum deflection of 1.2 mm and maximum stress 662 N/mm2 which is permitted.