STRAIN GAUGE AND ACCELEROMETER MEASUREMENT FOR THRUST ESTIMATION

摘要

An improved system, apparatus and method for estimating thrust from an engine, and more specifically, a system for estimating thrust from strain gauge and accelerometer measurements. At least one strain gauge is mounted on an engine mount to measure strain to estimate a constant velocity or steady-state portion of thrust. At least one accelerometer is mounted on the vehicle to measure acceleration to estimate a transient portion of thrust. Steady-state thrust estimation and transient thrust estimation are combined to estimate thrust from the engine. An algorithm provides steps for estimating thrust from strain gauge and accelerometer measurements.

主权项

1. A system for estimating thrust from an engine, comprising:
a vehicle having a propulsion device that is capable of producing thrust, said propulsion device is attached by at least one mounting structure; at least one strain gauge mounted on said mounting structure, said strain gauge for producing a signal indicative of stress; at least one accelerometer mounted on one of said propulsion device or vehicle, said accelerometer producing a signal indicative of acceleration; a code segment containing instructions to estimate thrust from strain gauge signals and acceleration signals; and at least one processor in communication with said strain gauge and accelerometer for executing the instructions to estimate thrust from strain gauge signals and said acceleration signals.