As part of my undergraduate senior capstone project I lead a team to design a thrust test stand.
The stand is used to test various motor / propeller combinations both mounted to a wing and separately.
-- Load Cell --
I researched and chose the load cell for the project. I chose it based on specifications given us for the uncertainty and expected forces and moments.
I chose it to cooperate with the current wind tunnel system. I organized a new LabView virtual instrument for use with this load cell.
Using the mounts, the user is able to decouple the lift and net thrust from a motor or wing section. Along with the decoupled forces, the user is able to determine the voltage and current draw of the motor.
-- Motor Mount --
This mount is used to test single motor units with different propellers. It can test motors up to 6" in diameter, and propellers up to 20" in diameter (limited by the wind tunnel).
-- Wing Mount --
This mount is used to test wings of 20" span, any chord-length. The mount also allows the user to rotate the wing to test it at angles of attack ±15° in 1° increments.
Due to their utility and durability, the test stands are still in use today.