The design of a multi-purpose multi-component strain gauge dynamometer

The design, construction and calibration of a multi-purpose multi-component strain gauge dynamometer is described. The dynamometer was constructed for use with a free surface water channel, which can also be used as a water tunnel or a cavitation tunnel. In this experimental facility, the large speed range available (0·03 to 6·1 m/s) and the variety of projects encountered require the measurement of a wide range of loads in several different configurations. The dynamometer system has been based on a unit block concept so that the blocks can be assembled into a suitable configuration and complexity of components to suit each particular problem.
The basic design concept is described together with the calibration results and the magnitude of the interactions. It is concluded that the overall accuracy of the dynamometer blocks and the absence of interaction coupled with the versatility of the system confirm the choice of the original design.