THE BODY COUNTS

The generic air bearing rotor is supported on a pressure field generated by the applied load but measures only the pressure in the center of the rotor. If the load across the width of the rotor is distributed symmetrically the pressure measured at the center of the rotor represents the average load. If the load is applied asymmetrically, the load measurement is in error. This error increases as the center of the load moves from the center of the rotor. Furthermore, the measurement gives no indication of the load distribution.

With its dual tapings, the HiRes Shape Meter produces a load measurement for each half of the rotor. The accuracy of these measurements is not degraded by non-uniform tension distributions. For 2-inch rotors, the measurement zones are 1 inch wide.