A new generation traversing rig with minimum disturbances for a closed test section of subsonic wind tunnels

A probe traversing system developed for efficient operations in low speed wind tunnels has been developed. This traversing system of a new generation allows automatic scans of the entire test section with a wide variety of probes. The design of the rig considered both its stiffness and the aerodynamic interference. Special beam modules made of carbon fiber composite were developed for the main arm of the rig. When the rig is not in use, the beam modules can be easily dismantled from the base carriage and the entire system can move to a park position outside of the test section. The system exhibits high stability in positioning accuracy, eliminating the need for re-calibration before each application. The attainable positioning accuracy and the adjustable speed of traverse meet the demands of modern measuring instruments. The operating software 'AOSTA' (Advanced Operating System for the Traversing Appliance) controls not only the drive units of the system but also has an editor to generate the measuring grids. Grid generation is supported by graphic functions and a 'Teach-In' function to reduce the risk of collision between the probe and the model. 'AOSTA' runs in a Windows 98/NT environment and can communicate with a hierarchical computer via an IEEE488 interface, if required.