Experimental investigation on the position detection of boundary-layer separation based on flexible sensor array

Abstract

At the boundary layer's separation point, the mean shear stress drops to small value while its fluctuation increases dramatically. The paper presented two methods, which were based on the mean and RMS values, to calculate and disposal the voltage output signals. We also fabricated a MEMS-based micro-shear-stress sensor array, which was assembled by the micro thermal sensors and the flexible polyimide substrate, to detect the location of the separation point. Through the test in a low speed wind tunnel, and comparison of the two signal processing method's result and the simulation data, the position of the flow separation can be detected in time.