Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3358
Date of Award
6-2026
Degree Name
MS in Aerospace Engineering
Department/Program
Aerospace Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Nandeesh Hiremath
Advisor Department
Aerospace Engineering
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
This thesis presents the design, development, calibration, and testing of a novel customizable six-degree-of-freedom force/torque sensor, called the Kustom Force/Torque Sensor (KFTS), for use in the Cal Poly Low Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT). The KFTS was developed as an alternative to commercial multi-axis force/torque sensors that feature fixed specifications. The swappable components and configurable structure of the KFTS enables changes to the sensor sensitivity, sensing range, and frequency response. Experimental testing verified that the sensor behaved as a linear time-invariant system, enabling calibration through the method of least squares and allowing the applied forces and moments to be reconstructed as linear combinations of the individual load cell outputs. The sensor displayed acceptable linearity, hysteresis, and crosstalk errors in the tested range for axial forces while showing notable crosstalk errors for moments. The KFTS was adaptable to the various measurement needs and experimental setups for the Magnus Effect Cylinder, K1 Ornithopter, and Finite Wing tests, and showed great potential for improving the measurement capabilities of the LSWT for both educational and experimental aerodynamic applications.