Optimal design of an uncoupled six degree of freedom dynamometer

A design analysis of a class of six degree of freedom strain-gage dynamometers which are virtually uncoupled in each force and moment component is presented. The method of design is detailed and an optimal design algorithm is implemented. The dynamometer is made of six or more T-sections with thin webs and flanges called shear panel elements (SPE). Complete stress and buckling analyses are carried out for the SPE, and experiments confirm the predictions of the analyses. The optimal design method is illustrated with several case studies. A dynamometer has been built and used in laboratory and field experiments.