Skin-Friction Sensor for Hypersonic Flows

Michigan Aerospace Corporation proposes to develop an optical MEMS based skin friction sensor specifically designed for hypersonic applications. This instrument will be capable of shear stress resolutions as small as 0.01 Pa, have a high dynamic range, and data rates in excess of 100 Hz. The sensor will be compact and tolerant of the extreme environmental conditions of hypersonic propulsion test facilities. BENEFIT: The technology developed during this project will enable the realization of robust, accurate optical MEMS sensors to characterize the operating conditions of hypersonic and more standard aerospace propulsion systems. These sensors can be integrated into scramjet and other engines for in-flight monitoring. As a result, it will be possible to expand existing operating envelopes, thus enabling the development of more efficient hypersonic and other propulsion systems.