POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR WIND TUNNEL AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

A positioning system (10) is provided for use in a wind tunnel (12) that results in accurate and dynamic orientation for a model (14) while reducing aerodynamic interference. The system includes a pitch-yaw sleeve (36) having a generally cylindrical shape and a torque tube disposed askew within the sleeve and rotatable about its longitudinal axis to drive a shaft. The shaft is generally elongated and crooked. The sting, to which a model is affixed, is rotatably attached to a distal end of the shaft. Rotation of the pitch-yaw tube (38) and/or the pitch-yaw sleeve (36) provides precise pitch and yaw orientation of the model (14), and rotation of the sting relative to the shaft provides precise roll orientation.