Force sensor and load cell applications in aerospace

Strainsert’s load cells, load pins, and other force sensing components and systems find use in a wide variety of measurement tasks across a wide range of industries. All applications require uncompromising levels of quality and reliability but none more so than the aerospace sector. Strainsert has a comprehensive standard product offering but characteristically for the aerospace industry, its custom design service comes to the fore – led by a proven multi-stage approach that is supported for UK customers by its exclusive distribution partner, Ixthus Instrumentation. Strainsert’s standard and custom force measurement products include a patented transducer design made possible by an innovative internal gauging process. Through its extensive in-house design and production capability, this process facilitates the manufacture of load bearing components as complete piece parts and structures where strain gauges and all circuitry are actually bonded and hermetically sealed inside small bore holes within the component. Supplied with NIST traceable force calibration, typical specifications range from -40 to +150 degrees Celsius and pressures to 100 bar with MTBF ratings of billions of cycles. With the strain gauges bonded to the neutral axis of the particular load bearing component, they are insensitive to extraneous loading and so are typically more accurately reliable and consistent when compared to competitive components with externally mounted sensor electronics. Strainsert’s internal gauging process has proven rugged and durable, survivable and highly reliable in extremely harsh environments. This technology has helped to keep Strainsert at the forefront of the aerospace industry with cutting-edge applications such as the Mars Exploration Rover Mission for NASA and the Space Shuttle launching pad. For custom force sensors, applications can range from research and testing of materials that are evaluated for use in aerospace to complete manufactured component parts that will eventually be used to monitor and control forces during installation, assembly, or operation on ground test equipment or actual aircraft. For large aerospace projects, many international companies and institutions are typically involved and Strainsert’s force and load sensing products are often utilised to ensure operational safety when interfacing these multiple supplier’s sub-assemblies. In many instances, these same load cells are designed to be permanently integrated in the system to both bear the load and measure the force for the life of the product. Strainsert’s load cells also find use for force determination and evaluation of aircraft hardware in loading simulation trials to determine and verify the expected fatigue spectrum encountered during the actual life of the hardware and even the aircraft over many millions of loading cycles. The aerospace industry is a great proving ground for the integrity of Strainsert’s load cells, load pins, and other force sensing components. Applications include but are not restricted to monitoring force on aircraft landing gear, wings, flaps, slats and ailerons as well as engine/wing mountings and interfaces. Other aerospace related measurement tasks include ejection seat and parachute force monitoring, satellite antenna forces, rocket separation bolts and many other interesting applications. Ixthus works closely with Strainsert and other global sensor technology leaders for force, torque and vibration measurement, providing a complete sales and support service at component level or for complete instrumentation systems. Ixthus’ knowledgeable technical staff are on hand to assist with measurement solutions - from the first enquiry, to supply and to after-sales support. For further information please call +44 (0) 1327 353437, email info@ixthus.co.uk or visit www.ixthus.co.uk.

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