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Control Surface Moment of Inertia

Control Surface Moment of Inertia

It is important to measure the MOI of an aircraft control surface to ensure that the maximum MOI about the hinge line does not exceed preestablished limits. This is to better predict and reduce the likelihood of flutter and divergence characteristics. Space Electronics’ Control Surface MOI Instrument suspends the test article in a horizontal orientation to create a gravity-driven pendulum. The pendulum oscillation is initiated manually. The frequency of oscillation and damping coefficient are measured, and forces are recorded using a high-accuracy force transducer to measure the control surface Center of Gravity. Inertia is derived from the oscillation period, the mass of the control surface and the CG offset distance. Measured MOI is accurate to ±3%.

System Design

The Aircraft Control Surface MOI measurement instrument is a cantilevered design, allowing for a smaller footprint, unobstructed mounting of long parts and a stiffer system. This intelligent design approach also accommodates a wide range of payload weight capacities and testing sample sizes. Additionally, each system features advanced data acquisition capabilities and NIST-traceable calibration to promote conformance with industry regulations and standards.

Absolute Measurement

Space Electronics’ Control Surface MOI Instrument relies on absolute rather than on relative measurements. Unlike the relative measurement method, which requires a mass model for system calibration and then compares the measurements of production units to mass model measurements, the absolute method measures MOI directly. And by measuring the decay of the amplitude of oscillation, we are able to correct for the effects of entrained air in the wake of the oscillating control surface, a significant source of measurement error.

Other Design Advantages

  • Out-of-level error tolerance — inconsequential up to 5°
  • Robust construction engineered to handle typical facility vibrations
  • Ease of handling and loading — interface locations are independent of ground support handling requirements
  • Ceiling height — parts are measured in the shortest, most ergonomically efficient configuration
The absolute measurement method also allows for quick measurements of prototypes or major block revisions. Additionally, it is insensitive to the effects of altitude, temperature and humidity.

Key Applications for Control Surface Moment of Inertia Solutions

These products deliver tangible value and high data confidence in mission-critical applications for demanding industries like aerospace, research and defense. Typical use cases include:
  • Military aircraft certification: Meet stringent military specifications for control surface MOI measurement with documented accuracy and NIST-traceable results.
  • Commercial aviation testing: Support reliable and repeatable FAA framework compliance strategies.
  • Aerospace development programs: Enable rapid prototype evaluation and design validation through absolute measurement.
  • Research applications: Provide precise data for aerodynamic studies, materials testing and advanced control surface engineering.
  • Quality control verification: Ensure consistent manufacturing quality with accurate measurement capture and documentation.

Why Trust Raptor Scientific?

Here's why Raptor Scientific has earned its reputation as an industry leader in mass property measurement products and services.

A Foundation of Quality

Every control surface MOI system we produce reflects our relentless dedication to precision engineering and manufacturing quality. We implement and enforce rigorous quality assurance at every stage, from material selection to final assembly, to ensure our solutions exceed reliability, accuracy and performance expectations. As a result of our quality commitments, our products offer unmatched accuracy and longevity.

Comprehensive Expertise

Control surface moment of inertia measurement equipment is an investment in your organization's processes, safe operation and outcomes. We support your success with over 50 years of industry experience and decades of collective expertise. This deep knowledge empowers us to provide industry-leading:

A Track Record of Industry Leadership and Innovation

As an ISO 9001:2015-certified company, Raptor Scientific remains committed to continuous improvement. We advance the industry through thought leadership, engineering excellence and a focus on finding or creating the best solution for the job. Additional industry qualifications include:
  • ISO 17025:2017
  • AS9100D
  • International Traffic in Arms registration
  • JOSCAR certification
These qualifications reflect our dedication to quality management, accuracy and traceability, trade compliance and industry best practices.

Enhance Mass Property Measurement Accuracy With Raptor Scientific

Raptor Scientific gladly provides advice to help you identify the best solution for your mass property measurement capture. Contact us online to discuss your needs or request a quote today.

Control Surface Moment of Inertia

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