Rocket Thrust Measurement Load Cell Application

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Rocket Thrust Measurement Load Cell Application

The Challenge

Attempt to measure the amount of thrust from a rocket. The time-thrust profile that a rocket is capable of producing is a very important element of rocket design. It is important to determine the effect of nozzle design, fuel/propellant mixtures, additives, and changing other parameters of the motor or engine system on performance during developmental testing of a rocket. We will use our iLoad series of load cells for this application.

How it works

The user will build a force platform to measure the thrust using four iLoad Mini Load Cells, one DQ-4000 and personal computer running our LoadVUE Pro 4000 four channel load cell software.

Diagram

Rocket Thrust Application

Results

Solution

The load cells communicate the force data to the PC via the DQ-4000 and the software will display a force vs time curve to help the user determine the time-thrust profile. In addition, the user can log the data into an Excel friendly file for further analysis.

iLoad Mini Stainless Steel Load Cells(4)
The iLoad Mini Series load cells are designed for applications where size is a major constraint. The iLoad Mini is only 1.25" in diameter.

LoadVUE™ Software (1)
Loadstar's LoadVUE software permits you to display individual loads plus the sum of all loads, and log data on screen and to a file.

DQ-4000 Frequency to USB Interface (1)
The Loadstar Sensors DQ-4000 Four Channel Frequency Interface Provides a simple and convenient way for users to convert the frequency output of up to 4 iLoad Mini sensors to a digital USB output.