The Monnin balance is installed on a 25 tonne concrete block, isolated by rubber joints. The model is supported by 1, 2 or 3 masts that transmit the forces to the measurement device. It is hence possible, depending on the configuration adopted, to measure from 1 to 5 components simultaneously. The models can have a wingspan of up to 1.70 m and a mass of 35 kg. A kinematic drive makes it possible to cover 50ยบ in incidence and in sideslip.
This equipment is used for precise determination of the aerodynamic forces. The principle of the Monnin balance is based, on the one hand, upon balancing the main part of the force by marked masses acting as counterweights and, on the other, upon determining the residual part by measuring the defamation of the flexion plates. This principle makes it possible to have constant sensitivity irrespective of the value of the force. Furthermore, there is no coupling between the components measured.
