MEMS high temperature gradient sensor for skin-friction measurements in highly turbulent flows

Abstract

This paper presents and discusses the results obtained with a MEMS high temperature gradient sensor for time-averaged and fluctuating skin-friction measurements in highly turbulent flows. Designed as a robust wall-mounted suspended hot-wire structure, the micro-sensor showed a high temperature variation for low power consumption. Successfully implemented into two air wind tunnels, the sensor was tested for velocities going up to 270 m/s, mean velocity of airliner cruise flights, and corresponding to a shear stress of 150 Pa. The microsensor thereby demonstrated its value for measuring turbulence in aerodynamic applications, particularly in aeronautics.