Kevin William Elsberry

US Patent:

20100132446, Jun 3, 2010

Filed:

Dec 3, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/630218

Inventors:

David A Corder - Tucson AZ, US
Kevin W. Elsberry - Tucson AZ, US

International Classification:

G01M 9/00
G06G 7/48

US Classification:

73147, 703 8

Abstract:

A wind tunnel testing technique or method involves using feedback to position control surfaces of a model so that there is substantially no moment on the model for its given orientation to the airstream. The model is mounted on a sting that allows change in orientation of the model relative to the airstream. A balance is used to provide data regarding the forces and/or moments on the model. This data on forces and/or moments is used in one or more feedback loops to position the control surfaces of the model so that there are substantially no moments on the model. This may be done automatically, with a controller automatically controlling the position of the control surfaces to zero out the moments on the model. The use of the method may allow faster determination of model characteristics, such as determination of the trim envelope of the model.