This setup is made for small and medium sized engines(20-200 lb force). The PVC coupling on the top left holds the engine. It is located 3 time the distance from the fulcrum as the load cell. This gives about 3x as much force on the gauge as if the engine were right on top of the load cell. I have set up for 1x, 2x, and 3x force locations. Here are the videos of the first test using this tool.
Viewed from a distance
Close up shot of the gauge
Using the video tape and playing through it frame by frame it was possible to plot the time(seconds) vs force(pounds) curve from the engine. This engine was made from 3/4" PVC pipe with 82 grams of KNO3/sucrose/Sorbitol (65/25/10).
