Precision Insights through Aeroacoustic Measurements

DirectShear^® sensors, originally developed for NASA, enable the direct measurement of wall shear stress via flush-mounted MEMS sensor technologies. These sensors, available in many configurations, feature a wide bandwidth, high sensitivity, and large dynamic range, making them an invaluable tool for studying the effects of turbulent boundary layer separation.

Historically a difficult, expensive, and/or inferred data point to measure, our wall shear stress sensors facilitate the advancement in our understanding of aerodynamic phenomena, thus driving your innovations in aircraft design and performance optimization. Learn more about the various measurement methods used throughout the industry in our “Guide to Wall Shear Stress Measurement.”

Every day, the global commercial aircraft industry consumes 250 million gallons of fuel. As the global carbon footprint continues to increase and air travel contributes more each year, there is an ever-growing need for a reduction in fuel usage and emissions per flight. Moreover, noise pollution from aircraft affects the quality of life for millions around the world.

Engineers who are designing the next generation of aircraft have historically faced a significant challenge measuring wall shear stress, even though it is a critical factor for improving fuel efficiency and reducing airframe noise. Wall shear stress relates directly to skin friction, which accounts for 20% to 40% of total vehicle drag. Airframe noise is a major component of overall aircraft noise, and its reduction is a realizable benefit of better wall shear stress measurements.

Click here to see how NASA is leveraging DirectShear sensors in their measurement applications.

The development of MHzPressure^® sensors marks a significant breakthrough the in the realm of high-speed flow measurement. MHzPressure sensors incorporate advanced microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) to capture accurate and reliable dynamic pressure data in hypersonic environments.

MHzPressure sensors are MEMS piezoelectric fluctuating pressure transducers, optimized for bandwidths up to 1 MHz. The sensors are designed to be ultra-smooth, flush-mounted, and high-bandwidth, and, through a patented calibration method, provide a complete magnitude and phase response over the entire measurement bandwidth. This capability is crucial for accurate, quantifiable fluctuating pressure measurements in high-speed flows, which are essential for the development of next-generation hypersonic vehicles and weapons.

Patented Reciprocal Calibration Method

The standout feature of MHzPressure (and DynaMic) sensors is the novel reciprocal calibration method leveraged to create a true picture of the sensor’s magnitude and phase response. This technique involves using an electrical drive signal to actuate the sensor, with a laser vibrometer sensing the actuated deflection. This method ensures a high degree of accuracy in sensitivity measurements across the entire bandwidth, making it a reliable tool for high-frequency measurements.

The integration of MHzPressure sensors in defense applications represents a transformative shift in high-speed flow measurement. With their advanced MEMS technology, comprehensive calibration, and diverse applications, MHzPressure stands as the premier instrument for hypersonic and boundary layer transition measurement.

DynaMic is a precision dynamic pressure sensor and aeroacoustic microphone with bandwidths up to 120 kHz that benefits product design teams’ ability to quantify aerodynamic performance with a cost efficient and calibrated precision instrument. DynaMic’s innovative design leverages a MEMS piezoelectric microphone that is both miniaturized and flush-mountable, allowing for seamless integration into wind tunnel models. One of its standout features is its significantly reduced cost per channel without compromising on performance. Traditional aeroacoustic microphones and their associated data acquisition hardware can be prohibitively expensive, limiting the number of data points that can be gathered within a given budget. DynaMic, on the other hand, offers a more affordable yet high-quality solution, enabling teams to deploy higher-density acoustic arrays and capture more comprehensive data without overshooting their financial constraints.

Superior Calibration for Accurate Results

Accurate data is the lifeblood of effective aerodynamic optimization. DynaMic’s patented reciprocal calibration methodology ensures that the sensor delivers the truest measurements available. This advanced technique uses an electrical drive signal to actuate the sensor, with a laser vibrometer sensing the actuated deflection. This method provides high-certainty sensitivity measurements across the entire frequency range up to 120 kHz. The result is a sensor system that not only enables more data points per dollar but does so with greater accuracy and reliability.

Making the Most of Your Wind Tunnel Time

DynaMic’s cost-effective and miniaturized design allows for higher-density data collection, while its advanced calibration techniques ensure the accuracy and reliability of every data point. Integrate DynaMic into your suite of wind tunnel instrumentation and maximize the value of each test to gain the insights needed to push performance to new heights. Discover today how DynaMic can transform your approach to aerodynamic testing and help you get the most out of your time in the wind tunnel.

The WirelessArray system is a field-deployable, wireless data-acquisition system initially designed for runway flyover and ground-test arrays. The system is designed to eliminate the need for extensive cabling, offering standalone, Wi-Fi enabled, weatherproof sensor nodes with user-replaceable modules and robust power solutions including solar and USB-C charging capabilities.

Key Benefits

• Enhanced Mobility: The wireless nature of the WirelessArray allows for easy repositioning and reconfiguration, making it ideal for both ground and flyover tests.
• Reduced Setup Time: Eliminate the need for extensive cabling and wiring, reducing the preparation time and associated risks.
• Portability: Compact and lightweight, the WirelessArray is easy to transport and deploy in various testing environments.

Why Choose WirelessArray?

WirelessArray is the solution of choice for aerospace engineers seeking accurate, reliable, and efficient data collection methods. With its advanced MEMS sensors, robust wireless communication, and seamless integration capabilities, it stands out as a premier option for ground and flyover test applications.

Click here to read the NASA Spinoff article highlighting the WirelessArray system – “Measuring Buzz, Hum, and Rattle.”