Wind Tunnel Balance for Precise Aerodynamic Testing - HORIBA
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HORIBA's full-scale wind tunnel balance at Audi in Ingolstadt, Germany. © Audi

Wind Tunnel Balance

For more than 50 years, HORIBA has been a leading global supplier of wind tunnel balance systems. We are among the few companies worldwide specializing in the design and construction of aerodynamic balances with moving ground simulation systems, offering fully integrated solutions tailored for the mobility sectors.

Whether you're building a new wind tunnel or upgrading an existing facility, our custom solutions are designed to meet your specific needs, from road vehicles and aircraft to components of buildings, trains and ships.

Our six-component wind tunnel balance system enables precise measurement of drag, side force, lift force, rolling moment, pitch moment, and yawing moment.

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        Full-scale wind tunnel balance system with rolling road for automotive applications

        Enhance your testing capabilities with our full-scale wind tunnel balance, designed to meet your aerodynamic testing needs from small cars to large commercial vans.
         

        Five-belt rolling road system

        The rolling road offers a realistic road simulation, capable of reaching speeds up to 270 km/h. Integrated into the turntable and decoupled from the balance, the steel-belt system’s length and width can be customized to accommodate a wide range of vehicle dimensions and fit with the dimensions of your facility.
         

        WLTP compliant

        Ensure compliance with Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedures (WLTP). Our five-belt system can be used as a flat-belt dynamometer for WLTP, allowing you to determine total vehicle road load for certification and simplify your homologation process.
         

        Boundary Layer Conditioning System

        We design and build boundary layer treatment systems tailored to your specifications. From stationary primary systems to secondary and tertiary systems on the turntable, we provide comprehensive solutions. Whether it's a scoop, distributed suction system, or suction and blowing slots, all ducting and fans are seamlessly integrated into our machines, delivering a fully integrated system.

        Rendering of a full-scale wind tunnel balance system with rolling road for automotive applications.

        Rendering of a full-scale wind tunnel balance system with rolling road for automotive applications.

        Highlights

        • Fully automated floor with automated vehicle attachment system
        • Suitable for WLTP homologation testing
        • Integrated boundary layer conditioning systems
        • Pure electro-mechanical system without use of hydraulics
        • Maintenance free balance and long-term in-calibration operation

        Reduced-scale wind tunnel balance system for automotive applications

        Reduced-scale testing provides valuable data early in the development process, at a time when full-scale models are either not available or very expensive to build. Reduced-scale models make the rapid assessments of the size and proportions of a model or different exterior designs possible.

        This cost-effective testing takes up less space and accurately simulates real-world driving conditions by utilizing a five-belt rolling road system. This enables you to even optimize the underbody and assess different wheel designs early on.

          Rendering of a reduced-scale wind tunnel balance system for automotive applications.

          Rendering of a reduced-scale wind tunnel balance system for automotive applications.

          Highlights

          • Wide range of model scale factors available
          • Easy to maintain and robust five-belt system with steel center belt and polymer belt wheel drive units
          • Integrated boundary layer conditioning systems
          • Pure electro-mechanical system without use of hydraulics
          • Maintenance free balance and long-term in-calibration operation

          Reduced-scale wind tunnel balance system for aviation applications

          In aviation, reduced scale testing is key for aerodynamic optimization during the development phase. It provides valuable aerodynamic data before full-scale flight tests are done.

          Built on a movable cart, the reduced-scale balance offers flexible configuration for various test setups in both open and closed test sections, enhancing versatility across aerodynamic environments. Multiple model fixation options, shielded by an auto-aligning non-metric fairing, ensure precise data collection. An advanced motion system enables pitch, roll, and yaw adjustments, providing full control over aerodynamic testing variables.

            Highlights

            • Movable cart design for flexible test section configurations
            • Adaptable for open or closed test sections
            • Various model fixation options with auto-aligned, shielded fairing
            • Model motion system supports pitch, roll, and yaw adjustments
            Rendering of a reduced-scale wind tunnel balance system for aviation applications.

            Rendering of a reduced-scale wind tunnel balance system for aviation applications.

            Maintenance and support

            Leverage our decades of experience and first-class service to maximize the performance of your wind tunnel balance from the start.

            Increase productivity and runtime: Tested and calibrated prior to delivery with guaranteed data integrity

            Increase productivity and runtime
            Tested and calibrated prior to delivery with guaranteed data integrity

            Easy Maintenance: Modular, integrated design facilitates easy installation and maintenance

            Easy Maintenance
            Modular, integrated design facilitates easy installation and maintenance

            Worldwide Service: Extensive spare parts support and worldwide qualified maintenance services

            Worldwide Service
            Extensive spare parts support and worldwide qualified maintenance services

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            HORIBA's full-scale wind tunnel balance at Stellantis' technology center in Auburn Hills, USA. © Stellantis

            HORIBA's full-scale wind tunnel balance at GIE S2A in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France. © Stellantis

            HORIBA's full-scale wind tunnel balance at Audi in Ingolstadt, Germany. © Audi

            HORIBA's reduced-scale wind tunnel balance for aviation at Kawasaki Heavy Industries' Low-Speed Wind Tunnel in Gifu, Japan

            HORIBA's full-scale wind tunnel balance at Toyota, Japan. © Toyota

            HORIBA's full-scale wind tunnel balance at the German-Dutch Wind Tunnels (DNW) in Marknesse, Netherlands. © DNW

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