Thin-Film Pressure Sensor with Optical Output

We propose a thin, flexible pressure sensing film with optical out- put consisting of a polymer LED on a piezoelectric polymer substrate. The innovation lies in combining these two types of polymers to make a single sensor which will provide a minimal intrusion method for measuring pressure distributions on structures in free-flight and/or wind tunnel tests. Spatial resolution should be better than 1 mm. Response times could be as short as 1 ¿s. Power consumption could be as low as a few Wm-2. The project objectives are to show that the device can be fabricated, to show that it functions as anticipated, and to develop a conceptual design for a sensor to be demonstrated in wind tunnel tests. The effort proposed is about 6 man months including subcontractors (for device fabrication) and a consultant (in design and applications). We anticipate that the objectives will be met and that a demonstration in a wind tunnel will be possible in Phase II. Phase III would include manufacturing of sensors for use in NASA aerodynamic testing. These sensors will improve understanding of flow features and will lead to design of more capable and/or more efficient subsonic aircraft.