News | < 1 minute Reading Time | 2017-11-09

Test Like You Fly, Fly Like You Test

When building a rocket there is a whole flight certification process, and qualification is an important part of that. It proves the hardware meets the requirements and performs the way it is designed to do. Of all parts of a rocket, the engine section is perhaps the most critical during launch. The weight of the massive rocket is pushing down, while the engines are pushing up with millions of pounds of thrust. Whether it is an engine for experimental rockets or for commercial spaceflight, adequate testing is critical to the success of each launch program.

Engine testing is done in the same way and for the same duration that will be needed during an actual launch. The idea is to replicate as close as possible how the engine will be used on a space mission. That is why there is a saying in the rocket business: “Test Like You Fly, Fly Like You Test”.

Because of the cost and risk associated with developing and testing an engine, a reliable test setup is vital. Maintaining system consistency and accuracy in a harsh environment is putting stringent requirements on the data acquisition equipment. DAQ systems must be able to record, display and process up to 2000 different parameters, varying from pressures, flow rates, vibrations and temperatures. Real-time sample rates may vary form 10 Hz to several kHz. The Q.series’s accuracy, flexibility and reliability makes it the data acquisition system of choice for world’s leading engine manufacturers and engine testing facilities.

Please read the full article on our measurement solution for rocket engine testing on page 76 in the Aerospace Testing International Showcase 2018.

Tips & Trends

How to enhance your EtherCAT master with best real-time DAQ

Connectivity and flexible integration of our high-accuracy and high-speed I/O modules into any automation system is in our DNA. Therefore you are now able to integrate our high-performance Q.series X I/O modules into all industry standard EtherCAT masters like TwinCat, Koenig KPA, NI VeriStand, and Acontis.

News

“Lunch and Learn” at EDF

In a very good atmosphere 18 specialists of EDF Energy Generation in Gloucester/UK listen the presentations from engineers of Gantner Instruments at the Lunch and Learn Meeting and enjoy sandwiches, chips, cookies and soft drinks as well as coffee and tea.

Tips & Trends

Advanced System Monitoring & Analytics for Smart Grids

Gantner Instruments, in partnership with The University of Cyprus, researches the controllability of renewable energy sources in local self-operated Smart Micro-Grid using innovative data streaming solutions including Crate.io.

News

Innovation Call with CEO Werner Ganahl of Gantner Instruments

State funding for seven future digital projects The best digital innovation projects in Vorarlberg have been sought and funded. Seven projects are receiving a total of 130,000 euros in state funding.