Three Component Rudder Balance And Steering Actuator

The motor and gearbox has virtually zero backlash and an absolute encoder to give very accurate positional accuracy. The balance is a 3 Load-cell arrangement for the Measurement of Fx, Fy and Mz. It is also supplied with a yawing actuator to enable the adjustment of rudder angle.

The mechanical assemblies consist of a 3-component balance, fitted with 3 heavy duty support pillars. A clamp with scale pointer is provided for visual indication of rudder angle; this can be adjusted to suit the rudder position. The assembly is then bolted onto a flat anodised aluminium rectangular plate, which have holes along its two short edges for installation onto a model ship for testing inside a cavitation tunnel. That has been designed primarily for use in rudder steering application, which will measure the forces and moments acting on the test rudder connected to the shaft. 3 removable lifting eyes will help installation of the assembly into the test ship model.