A Universal Tare Load Prediction Algorithm for Strain–Gage Balance Calibration Data Analysis

An algorithm is discussed that may be used to estimate tare loads of wind tunnel strain–gage balance calibration data. The algorithm was originally developed by R. Galway of IAR/NRC Canada and has been described in the literature for the iterative analysis technique. Basic ideas of Galway’s algorithm, however, are universally applicable and work for both the iterative and the non–iterative analysis technique. A recent modification of Galway’s algorithm is presented that improves the convergence behavior of the tare load prediction process if it is used in combination with the non–iterative analysis technique. The modified algorithm allows an analyst to use an alternate method for the calculation of intermediate non–linear tare load estimates whenever Galway’s original approach does not lead to a convergence of the tare load iterations. It is also shown in detail how Galway’s algorithm may be applied to the non–iterative analysis technique. Hand load data from the calibration of a six–component force balance is used to illustrate the application of the original and modified tare load prediction method. During the analysis of the data both the iterative and the non–iterative analysis technique were applied. Overall, predicted tare loads for combinations of the two tare load prediction methods and the two balance data analysis techniques showed excellent agreement as long as the tare load iterations converged. The modified algorithm, however, appears to have an advantage over the original algorithm when absolute voltage measurements of gage outputs are processed using the non–iterative analysis technique. In these situations only the modified algorithm converged because it uses an exact solution of the intermediate non–linear tare load estimate for the tare load iteration.