---
publication_id: "OT-2026-000000511"
title: "Rheometer normal force measurement"
published_at: "2026-09-15T19:03:00.401649Z"
canonical_url: "https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000511"
categories:
  - "sensors-controls-machine-vision/force-and-pressure-sensing"
keywords:
  - "g01l5/12"
  - "g01l5/0009"
  - "g01n3/064"
  - "g01n3/307"
---

# Rheometer normal force measurement

## Abstract

A rheometer shaft system includes an output shaft including an axial thrust disk, an upper air bearing surrounding the output shaft located above the axial thrust disk, and a lower air bearing surrounding the output shaft located below the axial thrust disk. An upper gap separates the axial thrust disk of the output shaft and the upper air bearing. A lower gap separates the axial thrust disk of the output shaft and the lower air bearing. An airflow detection system is configured to detect a change in airflow to the upper air bearing and the lower air bearing based on the movement in the axial direction of the output shaft. This change in airflow can be used to monitor normal force applied to the rheometer shaft.