Accurate and dependable measurement tools are essential in researching and developing next-gen aircraft. IC2 and our collaboration with NI further advance market solutions that combine our sensors with NI’s PXI systems.
Enhancing Wind Tunnel Instrumentation
Wind tunnels are essential for studying the aerodynamics and aeroacoustics of various models, from aircraft to automobiles. The ability to measure physical phenomena such as aerodynamic drag and surface pressure is crucial for improving fuel efficiency and reducing noise. IC2’s suite of sensors, including DynaMic®, MHzPressure®, and DirectShear®, are specifically designed to meet these needs. Our sensors offer precise aeroacoustic, dynamic pressure, and wall shear stress measurements, ensuring that researchers have the tools to achieve the most accurate and reliable data.
DynaMic: Advancing Acoustic and Dynamic Pressure Sensing
DynaMic is a hydraulically smooth, IEPE-powered 1/8” MEMS microphone optimized for aeroacoustic and fluctuating pressure measurements. Its miniaturized, flush-mountable design allows for seamless integration into wind tunnel models, and it enables high-density acoustic arrays with significantly reduced cost per channel.
One of the standout features of the DynaMic sensor is its patented reciprocal calibration methodology. This method leverages the reciprocal nature of piezoelectric transduction, using an electrical drive signal to actuate the sensor and a laser vibrometer to sense the actuated deflection. This advanced calibration technique ensures that the DynaMic sensor delivers accurate dynamic pressure measurements at frequencies up to 120 kHz.
This MEMS microphone features an IEPE preamplifier within a 3.18 mm (1/8 in.) diameter, 17 mm (0.676 in.) long stainless-steel package. The DynaMic sensor’s design allows for installation in scale models and dense arrays while providing the performance required for cutting-edge research.
Features and Benefits
- High Bandwidth and Dynamic Range: With a frequency response range up to 120 kHz, DynaMic delivers exceptional performance for both aeroacoustic measurements and fluctuating pressure sensing for scale model testing.
- Ultra-Smooth Sensing Surface: Minimizes flow disturbances introduced by the sensor itself.
- IEPE Powered: Compatibility with existing IEPE-enabled data acquisition systems simplifies deployment and reduces additional equipment requirements.
- Low Profile and Compact Design: Featuring a 3.18 mm diameter, 17 mm long package, DynaMic is suitable for dense array installations, offering flexibility and ease of use.
Applications
DynaMic is ideal for a variety of applications, including:
- Aeroacoustic phased arrays
- Impedance tube measurements
- Boundary layer fluctuating pressure measurements
- In-model fluctuating pressure measurements
Seamless Integration with NI’s PXI Systems
From NI.com, “PXI is an advanced test and measurement solution that combines hardware and software components, including chassis, controllers, and modules, to tackle complex measurement and automation challenges. Renowned for its flexibility and reliability, engineers use this platform to build high-performance, mixed-measurement systems for validation and production test.”
By integrating IC2’s DynaMic, MHzPressure, and DirectShear sensors with NI’s PXI systems, researchers can take advantage of a powerful combination that improves data collection and analysis. The PXI platform’s modular architecture allows for easy expansion and customization, making it an ideal choice for complex wind tunnel experiments. With the ability to synchronize across multiple modules or chassis for system expansion, PXI enables test systems to be customized and scaled as technology and requirements evolve.
MHzPressure: Ultra-high Bandwidth Fluctuating Pressure Measurement
MHzPressure sensors utilize the same advanced piezoelectric MEMS technology and calibration methodology as DynaMic but are specifically optimized for high-frequency fluctuating pressure measurements up to 1 MHz. These sensors provide precise and quantifiable data in high-speed flow environments, making them ideal for applications in hypersonic boundary layer transition detection, second-mode instability experiments, and other critical aerodynamic research.
DirectShear: Precision in Wall Shear Stress Measurement
Historically, measuring wall shear stress has been a significant challenge for aerospace engineers. Traditional methods often rely on indirect methods and/or expensive imaging hardware. IC2’s DirectShear sensors, originally developed for NASA, offer a direct measurement solution that is both economical and accurate. These sensors are available in various packages, temperature ranges, bandwidths, and maximum shear stress levels, ensuring that they can meet the specific needs for a broad set of use cases.
Features and Benefits
- Direct Measurement: Unlike traditional methods, DirectShear provides direct measurements of mean and fluctuating wall shear stress, eliminating the need for indirect methods.
- High Resolution and Bandwidth: The sensor’s high-resolution capabilities and broad bandwidth make it suitable for both subsonic and transonic applications.
- Customization Options: DirectShear is available in various packages and configurations, ensuring it meets the specific needs of any experiment.
Applications
DirectShear is used in a range of applications, including:
- Instrumentation-grade skin friction sensing
- Aerodynamic drag research
- Detection of flow separation
- Turbulent boundary layer measurements
A Strategic Partnership
NI’s robust PXI platform provides the data acquisition and processing capabilities needed to maximize the performance of our sensors. This partnership allows us to offer integrated solutions that combine the precision of IC2’s sensors with the versatility and reliability of NI’s data acquisition systems.
Why NI?
NI’s commitment to excellence and innovation aligns wholly with our own values. Their PXI platform offers several advantages:
- Modularity: The PXI system’s modular architecture allows for easy expansion and customization, ensuring that researchers can configure their setups to meet specific needs.
- High Performance: NI’s data acquisition systems deliver the high-speed, high-accuracy performance required for advanced aerodynamic testing.
- Reliability: NI’s reputation for reliability and quality ensures that our customers can trust their data and focus on their research.
Integrated Solutions
By combining IC2’s sensors with NI’s PXI platform, we provide researchers with a comprehensive solution for aerodynamic testing. Our integrated systems offer several key benefits:
- Enhanced Measurement Capabilities: The combination of high-performance sensors and advanced data acquisition systems allows for more precise and reliable measurements.
- Cost Efficiency: Our MEMS manufacturing process drives production costs down, enabling more data points to be gathered without stressing project budgets.
- Time Savings: Our integrated solutions streamline the testing process, reducing setup time and increasing overall efficiency.
Join Us in Advancing Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Measurement Capabilities
By combining the precision of IC2’s sensors with the versatility of NI’s PXI systems, we are providing researchers with the tools they need to push the boundaries of aerodynamic and aeroacoustic measurements. Together, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance measurement outcomes, save time and money, and provide new capabilities for wind tunnel testing.
Whether you are conducting wind tunnel tests to study flow separation, explore new aerodynamic designs, or reduce noise, our integrated solutions offer the capabilities you need to achieve your goals. We invite you to explore the possibilities with IC2 and NI and discover how our cutting-edge technology can enhance your research and development efforts.
For more information about IC2’s measurement solutions and their integrations with NI offerings, contact us at sales@thinkic2.com