Development of a Multi-Component Waterproof Type Force Sensor Devised with Column Elements Under Eccentric Load

A multi-component force sensor has been developed to measure force and moment components in high-speed flow media for submerged models. The size of the test model is determined based on the Reynolds number of the model at the test speed and expected blockage effect. A two-component force sensor unit has been created by assembling pairs of column elements arranged symmetrically under an eccentric load. The six-component force sensor is constructed with symmetric arrangements of twocomponent force sensor units in a rectangular plane. The signals generated from the strain gauges attached to the surface of the elements can be converted into force signals. The performance of the waterproof six-component force sensor has been evaluated through calibration. A simplified interference decomposition procedure has been introduced to increase the accuracy of measurement.