Topology Optimization of Wind Tunnel Balance Axial Section

Professor Soobum Lee has received new funding from NASA for the development of a new topology optimization methodology for the design of a 3D printable wind tunnel force balance.

Wind tunnel force balances measure multidimensional aerodynamic forces applied to an aircraft in the wind tunnel testing. They need to be designed to detect/distinguish directional forces while satisfying the basic load carrying performance.

The objective of this research is to develop a topology optimization methodology for a force balance design that considers both global and local measures (e.g. local strains) and determine the positions of multiple sensors (strain gauges) as well as overall structural layout for 3D printability.