@article{Yan2026, 
author = {Wanfang Yan and Xiangyang Mu and Kun Jiang and Wei Wei and Jiang Zhang},
title = {Topology optimization method for wind tunnel balance considering suppression of measurement interference},
year = {2026},
journal = {Acta Aerodynamica Sinica},
volume = {44},
number = {8},
pages = {58-69},
keywords = {wind tunnel balance, topology optimization, structural design, high load ratio, measurement interference},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.7638/kqdlxxb-2026.0011},
doi = {10.7638/kqdlxxb-2026.0011},
abstract = {The strain gauge balance is the core device for accurately measuring aerodynamic loads acting on aircraft models in wind tunnel tests. As a special type of six-component force sensor, its design faces greater challenges due to the constrained design space, extreme mismatch in load magnitudes across the measured components, and harsh testing conditions. For sting-type balances, the measurement accuracy of the axial force component is inherently limited, as the measuring elements are prone to nonlinear deformation and torsional interference within the restricted design space – problems that are further exacerbated under high load-ratio conditions (e.g., when subjected to large longitudinal loads). To address the interference susceptibility and low accuracy of low-magnitude components under high load-ratios, as well as the limitations of conventional design methods, a topology optimization method considering measurement interference suppression was developed for wind tunnel balances. Based on the interference patterns of axial force measurement, two optimization models- “minimum compliance” and “minimum interference” —were proposed, and a numerical optimization framework integrating the SIMP model, the MMA algorithm, and filtering/projection techniques was established. Multiple design cases were studied using mirrored and non-mirrored design domains strategies, and a prototype was fabricated and calibrated through ground loading tests. Results show that the proposed method yields clear and manufacturable topological configurations; the “minimum interference” model produces simpler and more reliable layouts; the non-mirrored strategy expands the design space but increases manufacturing complexity and computational cost. The fabricated balance exhibits high sensitivity in the target component Fx, with a maximum interference output below 2.3% when other loads are individually applied. The proposed method significantly enhances the anti-interference capability and measurement accuracy of the wind tunnel balance, providing a new approach for the design of high-precision balances and multi-component force sensors.}
}