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.

Products & Services

Precision Quiescent-Current Measurement with Q.series XL Slimline A108 2SC

Quiescent current measurement is essential across various industries, notably in the development of battery-powered devices, automotive electronics, and energy-efficient technologies. Also known as standby current, this crucial parameter measures the current in electronic systems during idle states, significantly impacting power consumption, battery longevity, and overall efficiency. Minor inaccuracies in its measurement can lead to considerable consequences.

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Q.bloxx A105 CR Cryo Module with Extended Range

Cryo Technology is a rapidly growing market and therefore more and more new sensor kinds appear. A clear trend is that these cryogenic temperature sensors move to higher resistance. With Gantner’s cryo module – the Q.bloxx A105 CR – a measurement range of up to 25kohms is now possible. The module is available as standard DIN rail module, or as Q.brixx/Q.raxx with 4 times 4-pole-LEMO (ERA.1S.304.CLL).

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Gantner Instruments and i4M Technologies

Gantner Instruments and i4M Technologies (i4M) have joined forces to offer groundbreaking solutions in data acquisition.

Events

GDevCon 4 Glasgow

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of graphical programming at GDevCon 2023 on the 20th and 21st of September, from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, at the esteemed Glasgow Science Centre, Scotland. This conference is a must-attend event for anyone striving to push the boundaries in the fields of engineering and technology.