Load Cell Calibration for Rocket Engine Test Accuracy Load cell calibration for rocket engine thrust accuracy is something anyone making rockets should understand. Rocket engine testing represents one of the most critical phases in aerospace engineering, where precision and reliability are paramount. This article explores the fundamentals of load cell calibration for rocket engine thrust […]
The recently extended mission of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore aboard the International Space Station (ISS) highlights the critical importance of thrust validation for space missions. Their prolonged stay, resulting from propulsion issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, underscores the necessity of accurate load cell calibration in ensuring reliable spacecraft propulsion systems. […]
The Science Behind F1: Force and Torque Measurements Force and Torque measurements are key in dissecting the Science Behind F1 car design and racing. Brad Pitt's F1 movie brings the world of Formula 1 racing to the big screen, where precision, engineering, and high-performance calibration define success. While Pitt plays a fictional driver, the real-world […]
Budget Load Cell Tests: Load Cell Shoulder Loading Errors Morehouse has previously addressed load cell shoulder loading errors and thread engagement in videos and articles. Here, we investigate the results of a simple design change we incorporated into our BLC series. Specifically, what occurs if an adapter is removed and the load is applied directly […]
Deadweight Force Machine Stability: Long-Term Reliability in Force Calibration Morehouse has a new paper on Deadweight Force Machine Stability titled "Deadweight Primary Standards: Best Practices and Their Associated Risks for Stability Determination in Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025" Overview Deadweight force machines are considered the pinnacle of force calibration standards, delivering the lowest possible measurement uncertainties […]
How Do Load Cells Work? Load cells measure force by converting mechanical strain into an electrical signal using strain gauges. When a load is applied, the cell deforms slightly—this strain is detected by strain gauges bonded to the structure. The gauges change resistance as they stretch or compress, producing a signal proportional to the applied […]
Embracing Failure in Calibration: Why Failing Fast, Failing Often, and Failing Cheap Is the Key to Growth (Embracing Failure as a Leader and a Metrologist) Many of us have been conditioned to fear failure. From early school years to professional life, success is often celebrated, while mistakes are typically hidden or punished. Yet what if […]
Force Calibration Simplified: Expected Performance in Load Cell Calibration Procedures Expected performance in load cell calibration procedures is a key concept that we have adopted at Morehouse. The term likely originated from discussions during ASTM committee meetings among industry experts. Expected performance helps define how accurately a force-measuring tool works when tested under ideal laboratory […]
Morehouse Custom Load Cell Design: 10 Steps Encompassing Comprehensive Principles, Innovative Process, and Best Practice Designing a reliable custom load cell starts long before metal is cut or gauges are bonded. It begins with a clear understanding of what is being measured, where the sensor will live, and how its signal will be used. This […]
