Topology optimization method for wind tunnel balance considering suppression of measurement interference

Yan Wanfang; Mu Xiangyang; Jiang Kun; Wei Wei; Zhang Jiang

doi:10.7638/kqdlxxb-2026.0011

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Topology optimization method for wind tunnel balance considering suppression of measurement interference

更新时间：2026-10-14

- Topology optimization method for wind tunnel balance considering suppression of measurement interference
- Vol. 44, Issue 8, Pages: 58-69(2026)
- 作者机构：
  
  中国航天空气动力技术研究院,北京,100074
- 作者简介：
- 基金信息：
- DOI：10.7638/kqdlxxb-2026.0011
  CLC： V211.7
- Published：2026
- 稿件说明：
移动端阅览
闫万方, 穆向阳, 蒋坤, 等. 考虑测量干扰抑制的风洞天平拓扑优化方法[J]. 空气动力学学报, 2026, 44(8): 58−69.

Yan Wanfang, Mu Xiangyang, Jiang Kun, et al. Topology optimization method for wind tunnel balance considering suppression of measurement interference[J]. 2026, 44(8): 58-69.
闫万方, 穆向阳, 蒋坤, 等. 考虑测量干扰抑制的风洞天平拓扑优化方法[J]. 空气动力学学报, 2026, 44(8): 58−69. DOI： 10.7638/kqdlxxb-2026.0011

Yan Wanfang, Mu Xiangyang, Jiang Kun, et al. Topology optimization method for wind tunnel balance considering suppression of measurement interference[J]. 2026, 44(8): 58-69. DOI： 10.7638/kqdlxxb-2026.0011.

摘要

针对大载荷比天平小量值分量易受干扰、测量精度低，以及传统方法难以突破性能瓶颈问题，发展了考虑测量干扰抑制的风洞天平拓扑优化设计方法。基于轴向力测量干扰模式，提出“最小柔度”和“最小干扰”两种拓扑优化模型并建立数值优化流程，结合设计域“上下镜像”和“非镜像”策略完成多组算例，并开展典型算例实物加工和地面加载验证。结果表明：该方法可获得结构清晰、可制造拓扑构型，“最小干扰”模型所得构型更简洁可靠，“非镜像”策略虽能拓展设计空间，但工艺复杂度与计算成本提升；天平实物目标分量

灵敏度显著，单独施加其余载荷时最大干扰输出小于2.3%。该方法显著提升天平抗干扰能力和测量精度，为高精度天平及力传感器设计提供了新途径。

Abstract

The strain gauge balance is the core device for accurately measuring aerodynamic loads acting on aircraft models in wind tunnel tests. As a special type of six-component force sensor

its design faces greater challenges due to the constrained design space

extreme mismatch in load magnitudes across the measured components

and harsh testing conditions. For sting-type balances

the measurement accuracy of the axial force component is inherently limited

as the measuring elements are prone to nonlinear deformation and torsional interference within the restricted design space – problems that are further exacerbated under high load-ratio condit

ions (e.g.

when subjected to large longitudinal loads). To address the interference susceptibility and low accuracy of low-magnitude components under high load-ratios

as well as the limitations of conventional design methods

a topology optimization method considering measurement interference suppression was developed for wind tunnel balances. Based on the interference patterns of axial force measurement

two optimization models- “minimum compliance” and “minimum interference” —were proposed

and a numerical optimization framework integrating the SIMP model

the MMA algorithm

and filtering/projection techniques was established. Multiple design cases were studied using mirrored and non-mirrored design domains strategies

and a prototype was fabricated and calibrated through ground loading tests. Results show that the proposed method yields clear and manufacturable topological configurations; the “minimum interference” model produces simpler and more reliable layouts; the non-mirrored strategy expands the design space but increases manufacturing complexity and computational cost. The fabricated balance exhibits high sensitivity in the target component

with a maximum interference output below 2.3% when other loads are individually applied. The proposed method significantly enhances the anti-interference capability and measurement accuracy of the wind tunnel balance

providing a new approach for the design of high-precision balances and multi-component force sensors.

关键词

Keywords

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