Instrumentation

The primary purpose for any research test article is to provide data to the researcher.  To that end, the accuracy of the instrumentation installation, and functionality during the test, is of utmost importance.  Through the years, We've gained experience installing static pressure taps, dynamic pressure transducers, thermocouples, accelerometers, strain gages, thin film gages, heat transfer gages, and angle of attack sensors.

We have fabricated literally hundreds of rakes incorporating total pressure ports, total temperature, and Kiel head and cobra probes.  These rakes are used to measure boundary layers, wake momentum deficits, mass flow in ducts, and are used to survey flow fields.  The routing and egress of the tubes and wires from the sensor is as important to the success of the test as the quality of the sensor installation at the point of measurement.  The routing must be done so as not to compromise the structural integrity of the test article, avoid pinching and chaffing of the wires and tubes, and provide for interchangeability of various parts.  Our instrumentation technicians verify the installations are correct through flow, leak and continuity checks.

We are also able to calibrate strain gage installations.  Making instrumentation user friendly for the test facility technicians is also important.  Our technicians take great care in labeling sensors and making proper connections to ensure they adapt well to the facility.  Our experience and capability cover all the areas described above with typical on-test “survival” rates of over 98% for sensors in hostile environments.

Sensors

- Static and Total Pressures

- Air/Metal and Total Temperatures

- Strain Gages (Static and Rotating)

- Bearing Oil Temperature

- Accelerometers

Rakes

- Pressure

- Temperature

- Boundary Layer

- Gas Analysis

- Traverse Systems

Data Acquisition

- Installation Integration