Preliminary Measurements for the Identification the Influence of the Test Object Support on the Aerodynamic Characteristics

Wind tunnel tests can be carried out on external or internal balances. For an external balance, the measuring equipment is located outside the model and the wind tunnel measuring space. In the case of an external balance, the mount must transmit the aerodynamic loads of the model to the external balance and hold the model in the desired angle of attack and yaw angle. This paper presents a description of a research and education bench dedicated to aerodynamic testing which has been equipped with an external balance. The description of the test bench and its use is based on exemplary tests of a selected aircraft model. This work represents a preliminary approach to the identification of the influence of the mast on the aerodynamic characteristics of the studied object. The preparation of the test facility from the design, preparation and manufacture of the aircraft model to wind tunnel testing is presented. The project was based on a twin-engine Italian M-346 Master trainer aircraft. The model was made by 3D printing from PLA material using FDM technology. The entire model was adapted for mounting on a six-component aerodynamic balance. The article presents selected research results.