Modeling Data Acquisition System Measurement Uncertainty Using the Monte Carlo Method

In support of furthering structural research in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Armstrong Flight Research Center (Edwards, California) Flight Loads Lab, a measurement uncertainty study is being conducted of the primary analog data acquisition systems. The Flight Loads Lab performs several structural tests on a yearly basis, including mechanical and thermal testing of aerospace components or flight vehicles, to calibrate and evaluate flight loads instrumentation under the conditions expected in flight. During ground testing, analog sensors are used to collect vital data about the structural performance of test articles. These analog sensors include strain gages, thermocouples, load cells, string potentiometers, and linear variable differential transformers with demodulators. This report covers the process of using the Monte Carlo method applied to a data acquisition system and analog circuits for various sensors to obtain an estimate of uncertainty of the resulting measurements.