A probe traversing system developed for efficient operations inlow speed wind tunnels has been developed. This traversing system of anew generation allows automatic scans of the entire test section with awide variety of probes. The design of the rig considered both itsstiffness and the aerodynamic interference. Special beam modules made ofcarbon fiber composite were developed for the main arm of the rig. Whenthe rig is not in use, the beam modules can be easily dismantled fromthe base carriage and the entire system can move to a park positionoutside of the test section. The system exhibits high stability inpositioning accuracy, eliminating the need for re-calibration beforeeach application. The attainable positioning accuracy and the adjustablespeed of traverse meet the demands of modern measuring instruments. Theoperating software `AOSTA' (Advanced Operating System for the TraversingAppliance) controls not only the drive units of the system but also hasan editor to generate the measuring grids. Grid generation is supportedby graphic functions and a `Teach-In' function to reduce the risk ofcollision between the probe and the model. `AOSTA' runs in a Windows98/NT environment and can communicate with a hierarchical computer viaan IEEE488 interface, if required
展开▼
