Design, calibration and measurement uncertainty analysis of a tension measurement test system

In this article; design, calibration and measurement uncertainty analysis of a tension measurement test system are presented. This system is designed for measuring tension force on a towed array which is towed behind surface ships via a cable. A special test setup that simulates the static and dynamic conditions for the measurement system is prepared for the calibration process. Calibration of the measurement system is carried out using different loads which are changed from 150 kg to 2500 kg by 150 kg increments. Then regression analysis is conducted by applying curve fitting procedure and lack of fit test for static and dynamic conditions separately. Data acquired by the measurement system in the calibration tests are analyzed by calculating measurement uncertainties in the test system. Standard uncertainties due to calibration data errors, instrument errors and curve fitting process are determined for static and dynamic conditions. In addition, combined and expanded uncertainties are calculated and compared to each other.