Detecting boundary-layer separation point with a micro shear stress sensor array

Abstract

Knowledge of wall shear stress is essential for understanding the dynamics of fluid flow, and its measurement holds great importance for investigating and controlling near wall turbulence and flow separation in aerodynamic control. Based on the well-established principle of thermal anemometry, this paper describes an array of thin film sensors on a flexible polyimide substrate. Then, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to estimate the corresponding shear stress distribution within the column cylinder aerofoil at flow conditions is the velocity 17.3 m/s. In wind tunnel tests, by disposed the two sensor arrays output signals by the sensors output voltages means and RMS values, the result proved these flexible arrays could detect the location of the fluid separation point roughly. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.