Vectorized Thrust Measurement for Aerospace Propulsion Nozzles

This paper presents a measurement system for assessing the thrust produced by advanced aerospace propulsion nozzles. The system is able to evaluate the transverse components of thrust in the case of vectorized nozzles using three precision balances positioned at the base of the test rig. The balances are arranged in a 120-degree configuration to accurately reconstruct the thrust vector. Cold flow experiments using air as the working fluid are carried out for a linear aerospike nozzle in differential throttling configurations. A calibration of the thrust measurement system has been carried out.