Six-component stand design and vector thrust positioning

Based on the screw theory, some basic design principles of six-component thrust stand were described to ensure its effectiveness. This proved that it was improper mathematically to predict the vector thrust by multiplying the inverse static mapping matrix with the reading of sensors, and only three forces and three moments of the vector thrust can be obtained, but the action point cannot be accurately positioned. In order to find the action point, an experimental method denoted as circular deflection method was proposed, at least three tests about thrusts of same axial angle and different direction angles were needed.Finally, the validity of the proposed method was verified by examples. The numerical result showed that the weights of the engine and the floating frame seriously affected the positioning of action point, so the gravity influence must be eliminated before using this method.