DirectShear-Optical
$15,498
DirectShear-Optical™ sensors are robust, high-bandwidth shear stress sensors designed from the ground up for harsh environments, including high-temperature applications. The sensors employ purely optical transduction, a silicon/Pyrex micromachined floating element, and a remote optical fiber readout to enable time-resolved one-dimensional, direct shear stress measurements at high temperatures.
Like the original DirectShear line of sensors, IC2’s DirectShear-Optical sensors are capable of both mean and dynamic measurements of wall shear stress over a wide dynamic range and are offered in a range of sensor models to suit different applications.
The optical sensors are now commercially available and are ideal for precision skin friction measurements in high-speed, high-temperature test facilities. Click here to see how NASA is utilizing these sensors.
Power Supply Included
OSU-1001-H2U

Sensor Model | OS-0110 (+$7,499), OS-0210 (+$7,499), OS-0310 (+$7,499), OS-0410 (+$7,499), OS-0510 (+$7,499), OS-0610 (+$7,499) |
---|---|
Control Unit | H2U (+$7,999) |
Designed from the ground up for harsh environments, including high-temperature applications
Features
- Optical micromachined floating element sensor for time-resolved, one-dimensional, direct shear stress measurements in harsh environments
- Optical gratings for direct transduction of shear stress with remote optical fiber readout
- Silicon/Pyrex sensor structure for high-temperature environments (up to 400°C continuous)
- Optimized Sensor Control Unit (SCU) for high dynamic range and bandwidth
- Suite of sensor models for different applications
- Mean and fluctuating optical sensor measurements compatible with all DirectShear CS Series models
- Selectable low-noise AC or rechargeable Li-ion battery power source
- Optimized high dynamic range and bandwidth
- System status and battery voltage LED indicators
- Rugged, industrial LC Duplex fiber connection
- Removable shielded sensor cable
Applications
- Time-resolved, direct mean and fluctuating wall shear stress measurements
- Differential optical shear stress sensors for subsonic and transonic applications
- Instrumentation-grade skin friction sensing in high temperatures and harsh environments
- Aerodynamic drag research
- Detection of flow separation
- High-speed wind tunnel testing
Benefits
- Direct measurement of shear stress
- Harsh environment capable
- Non-intrusive - minimal flow disturbance
- High resolution, dynamic range and bandwidth
- Immune to EMI
Sensor Head Housing Details
- Non-intrusive — backside contacts for minimal flow disturbance
- Standard stainless steel cylindrical housings available with or without shoulder and key alignment and detachable cable
- Multiple sensor head form factors, materials and finishes available to meet installation requirements.
- Custom housings/materials available
- Suite of 6 sensor models available for different applications (see Specifications table)
Model | Shear Stress (Pa) | Bandwidth (kHz) | Sensitivity (mV/Pa) | Resolution (mPa) | Element Size |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
OS-0510 | 10 | 0.8 | 190 | 0.1 | 1.5mm x 0.7mm |
OS-0110 | 50 | 1.8 | 40 | 0.5 | 1mm x 0.7mm |
OS-0610 | 100 | 2.5 | 20 | 1 | 1mm x 1mm |
OS-0210 | 300 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 0.4mm x 0.4mm |
OS-0310 | 1000 | 10 | 1.3 | 50 | 0.3mm x 0.3mm |
OS-0410 | 5000 | 20 | 0.3 | 50 | 0.3mm x 0.3mm |
The following additional components and specifications are recommended for AC and DC testing/calibration with the capacitive sensor control unit:
- RG58 coaxial cable 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 w/ analog filter between sensor output and analog-to-digital converter (ADC)
- 100+ kS/s w/o analog filter
- Digital multimeter – DC measurement only
- 6.5 digits with power line cycle (PLC) integration
- DAQ or PC connection (e.g., GPIB)
DirectShear
High Fidelity- 0-50°C Operating Range
- Single-Axis Measurements
- PXI & Standalone Control Units
- 6 Sensor Model Options
- Custom Housings Available
DirectShear-Optical
High Temperature- 0-400°C Operating Range
- Single-Axis Measurements
- Standalone Control Unit Only
- 6 Sensor Model Options
- Custom Housings Available
DirectShear-2D
Dual-Axis- 0-50°C Operating Range
- Dual-Axis Measurements
- PXI & Standalone Control Units
- 2 Sensor Model Options
- Custom Housings Available
Related Publications
Related Research Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical application for DirectShear - Optical Sensors?
What are the operating temperature ranges for DirectShear - Optical sensors?
How do acceleration forces affect the sensor?
The sensor can survive large accelerations; more than 200g. The floating element’s small size and mass limit any significant inertial loads. However, accelerations will affect the output of the sensor. To account for acceleration, an additional accelerometer should be placed near the DirectShear sensor and subtract the coherent power between the DirectShear sensor and the accelerometer. IC2 provides the acceleration sensitivity data in the calibration packet included with each sensor purchase. IC2 is currently working on a future generation of the sensor that will compensate for acceleration automatically. Please contact IC2 for additional information regarding acceleration compensation.
Does each sensor need its own control unit?
Are DirectShear Sensors NIST traceable?
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 cautious should I be when handling the sensor?
The sensing element (the front face) is extremely fragile. 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.
Are DirectShear - Optical Sensors ITAR controlled?
These sensors are not subject to ITAR restrictions and have been classified EAR99 under the Commerce Control List.
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