Overview
| Lead Time | 12-16 Weeks |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 0 to 50ºC |
| Full System Consists of: | Sensor, Control Unit, 10-Pin LEMO Cable |
Related Products
-
DirectShear-2D Control Unit
$6,874 -
DirectShear-2D Sensor
$6,049 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
DirectShear-2D System
Dual-axis wall shear stress sensor, providing direct, vector skin-friction measurements in complex, three-dimensional turbulent flows.
The 2D, or dual-axis, version of this sensor is a natural extension of IC2’s original capacitive DirectShear sensing system that enables point vector measurements of turbulent boundary layers. With its easy-to-use, non-intrusive housing and unprecedented dynamic range, DirectShear-2D sensors provide aerospace engineers with a new tool to improve fundamental understanding of complex, three-dimensional flows and validate computational models, paving the way for the future of efficient aircraft.
Originally developed for NASA, the capacitive sensors are now commercially available and are ideal for precise skin friction measurements in wind tunnels. Click here to see how NASA is utilizing DirectShear sensors.
A complete DirectShear system includes sensor, cable, and control unit and operates as a paired set tuned together during the calibration process. Components can be ordered individually – however, each sensor requires a dedicated control unit.
Our team is here to assist with any questions – please reach out at sales@thinkic2.com, call us at 352-283-8110, or click here to schedule a Teams meeting.
From: $13,307
DirectShear-2D is a dual-axis, instrumentation-grade, robust, high-bandwidth, high-resolution, silicon micromachined differential capacitive wall shear stress sensor for subsonic and transonic applications.
The sensor system enables localized, non-intrusive, vector measurement of mean and fluctuating wall shear stress for characterization of complex boundary-layer flows in ground-test facilities.
The design of next-generation air vehicles with increased efficiency cannot be developed without considerable research on the character and dynamics of unsteady, complex, three-dimensional flows. Specifically, some of the most difficult problems in the design of high-efficiency subsonic aircraft are associated with flow control technologies for viscous drag reduction. Time-resolved measurements of skin friction are needed to quantify the underlying transition and turbulence physics present in three-dimensional flows occurring on various aircraft that lead to increased drag and fuel consumption.
For typical applications, please see our DirectShear product line.
For high-temperature applications, please see our DirectShear-Optical product line.
Click here to learn more about the Complete Shear Stress Measurement System that leverages additional PXI hardware to create a full measurement solution.
- Direct measurement of wall shear stress — no heat transfer calibration required
- Non-intrusive — minimal flow disturbance
- Simultaneous mean and fluctuating wall shear stress measurements
- High resolution, dynamic range and bandwidth
- Highly accurate, quantitative measurements
- Ability to place in arbitrary flow to measure wall shear stress vectors
- Micromachined floating element shear stress sensor
- Time-resolved, two-dimensional, direct wall shear stress measurements
- Compact, robust sensor package for flush mounting
- Optimized Sensor Control Unit for high dynamic range and bandwidth
- Two sensor models to address different sensitivity/bandwidth applications
- Ability to measure mean and fluctuating quantities
- Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery system minimizes power line noise
- Multi-pin shielded sensor connector provides supply voltages and carrier signals
- System status and battery voltage LED indicators
- Point vector wall shear stress measurements in an arbitrary flow
- Low-speed wind tunnels
- Instrumentation-grade skin friction sensing
- Aerodynamic drag research
- Detection of flow separation
- Wind tunnel instrumentation
Learn More About Related Applications ↓
Each sensor operates with a dedicated control unit.
- H2U Control Unit: Standalone, battery-powered, portable; larger footprint and higher cost.
The following additional components and specifications are recommended for AC and DC testing/calibration with the capacitive sensor control unit:
- 2 – RG58 coaxial cables with BNC connectors
- Data acquisition system (DAQ) – AC/DC measurement
- Sensing Range: ±1, ±5, ±10V – sensor dependent (see datasheet)
- Resolution: 18+ bits
- Sampling frequency: sensor dependent – adequate sample rate and anti-alias filter to support sensor bandwidth
- Digital multimeter – DC measurement only
- 6.5 digits with power line cycle (PLC) integration
- DAQ or PC connection (e.g., GPIB)
Click here to learn more about the Complete Shear Stress Measurement System that leverages additional PXI hardware to create a full measurement solution.
| Model | Max Shear Stress (Pa) | Bandwidth (kHz) | Sensitivity (mV/Pa) | Resolution (mPa) | Element Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0030-A-00 | 50 | 1.5 | 30 | 0.2 | 2mm x 2mm |
| 0030-B-00 | 300 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1mm x 1mm |
- Non-intrusive — backside contacts for minimal flow disturbance
- Standard stainless steel cylindrical housings available with or without shoulder and key alignment and
Detachable cable assembly - Multiple sensor head form factors, materials and finishes available to meet installation requirements.
- Custom housings/materials available
- 2 sensor models available for different applications (see Specifications table)
Cylindrical package dimensions:
- Sensor Head Diameter: 12.7 mm (0.5″)
- Mounting Shoulder Length: 6.4 mm (0.25″)
- Sensor Body (Mounting Shoulder) Diameter: 15.9 mm (0.63″)
- Total Length: 50.8 mm (2″)
- The main body of the sensor head optionally contains a 2 mm x 8 mm keyway for proper alignment with the flow direction.
Does each sensor need its own control unit? What is the difference between the Standalone and PXI control units?
Each sensor operates with a dedicated control unit. Standalone Control Unit: Standalone, battery-powered, portable; larger footprint and higher cost. PXI Control Unit: Compact, modular, designed for integration with PXI chassis and data acquisition systems; ideal for multi-sensor setups and minimized installation space.
Do DirectShear sensors work in liquids?
DirectShear sensors were developed and validated primarily for gaseous flow environments (e.g., air and wind tunnel testing). They are not currently rated or validated for continuous operation in liquids, including water. Use in liquid or multiphase flows is application‑dependent and must be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. The DirectShear‑Optical sensor may offer some advantages because there are no electronics in the sensing head, which can reduce certain failure modes. However: the optical sensor is also unvalidated in liquids, small gaps and cavities still exist where fluids may enter, and performance, long‑term stability, and biofouling behavior in liquids remain uncertain.
How cautious should I be when handling the sensor?
The sensing element (the front face) is fragile and any physical contact with the exposed sensing element can cause damage to the sensor. A protective cap is provided for handling purposes and should be used to keep the sensor face covered at all times when not in use. Proper sensor cleaning procedures are outlined in the provided User Manual.
How is the sensor typically mounted to the wall of a test section?
The sensor head may be placed in any known angular orientation with respect to the sensing axes. Angular misalignment during installation can result in increased uncertainty due to cross-axis sensitivity. Installation of the sensor head with the alignment key on the upstream side ensures alignment with the critical sensing axis. The sensor head should be inserted until the surface of the sensor head is flush with the facility wall. Proper design of the sensor installation port will provide repeatable installation depths and alignment via use of the shoulder and alignment key on the sensor head. Please contact IC2 for support with sensor installation.
How do acceleration forces affect the sensor?
DirectShear sensors withstand accelerations over 200g. However, acceleration can influence sensor output. For best results, use an accelerometer near the sensor and subtract coherent power during data analysis. Acceleration sensitivity data is included in the calibration packet.