초록 ▼

An apparatus for measuring the lift generated by airfoils of an aircraft. This real-time analysis is accomplished by measuring a differential pressure between the upper and lower lift surfaces of the airfoils. The apparatus a) measures an actual differential pressure between the upper and lower lift

An apparatus for measuring the lift generated by airfoils of an aircraft. This real-time analysis is accomplished by measuring a differential pressure between the upper and lower lift surfaces of the airfoils. The apparatus a) measures an actual differential pressure between the upper and lower lift surfaces for a givenaircraft speed, b) transmits this actual differential pressure measurement to a computer, c) compares the actual differential pressure measurement with an optimal pressure differential for the same aircraft speed, and d) evaluates performance of the aircraft based on the result of the comparison. The apparatus comprises a fixed array of differential pressure sensor mechanisms for measuring actual pressure differentials and a computer for comparing optimal differential pressure measurements to the actual differential pressure measurements. Each sensor mechanism preferably contains a piezoelectric sensor that communicates with the upper and lower lift surfaces.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for evaluating forces affecting an aircraft the apparatus comprising:means for measuring an actual differential pressure between air pressures acting on two aircraft surfaces;means for obtaining an actual aircraft speed;means for storing differential pressure measureme

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for evaluating forces affecting an aircraft the apparatus comprising:means for measuring an actual differential pressure between air pressures acting on two aircraft surfaces;means for obtaining an actual aircraft speed;means for storing differential pressure measurements for various actual aircraft speeds;means for comparing said actual differential pressure measurement for said actual aircraft speed with the stored differential pressure measurement for that actual aircraft speed; and means for evaluating performance of the aircraft based on the result of the means for comparing.