DirectShear™ Sensors are robust, high-bandwidth, high-resolution, silicon-micromachined differential capacitive shear stress sensors for subsonic and transonic applications. This non-intrusive, design delivers an unprecedented degree of precision and accuracy for both mean and fluctuating wall shear-stress measurements. This sensor system greatly extends the spatial and temporal resolution capabilities over existing devices, offering exceptional bandwidth and dynamic range.
Originally developed for NASA, the capacitive sensors are now commercially available and are ideal for precise skin friction measurements in wind tunnels.
CONTROL UNIT REQUIRED FOR OPERATION
Control Unit Options:
Add one of the following to your quote to power, control, and interface with your sensor
Micromachined floating element shear stress sensor that enables time-resolved, one-dimensional, direct shear stress measurements
Compact, robust sensor package for flush mounting
Optimized Sensor Control Unit (SCU) for high dynamic range and bandwidth
Suite of sensor models for different applications
Originally developed for NASA
Applications
Instrumentation-grade skin friction sensing
Aerodynamic drag research
Detection of flow separation
Wind tunnel instrumentation
Benefits
Direct measurement of shear stress — no heat transfer calibration
Non-intrusive — minimal flow disturbance
Simultaneous mean and fluctuating shear stress measurements
High resolution, dynamic range and bandwidth
Highly accurate, quantitative measurements
The DirectShear™ sensor heads are micromachined, floating element devices that enable time-resolved, one-dimensional, direct mean and fluctuating wall shear stress measurements.
Sensor Head Housing Details
Non-intrusive — backside contacts for minimal flow disturbance
Standard stainless steel cylindrical housings available with or without shoulder and key alignment and detachable cable
Multiple sensor head form factors, materials and finished available to meet installation requirements.
Custom housings/materials available
Suite of 6 sensor models available for different applications (see Specifications table)
