Investigation of detecting fluid separation point by flexible micro-shear-stress-sensor array

At the boundary layer's separation point, the mean shear stress drops to small value while its fluctuation increases dramatically. This paper presents the design and fabrication methods of an MEMS-based micro-shear-stress sensor array, which is assembled by the micro-thermal-sensors and the flexible polyimide substrate, to detect the location of the separation point on the NACA0012 typical aerofoil. Through testing in low speed wind tunnel and comparison of the two single process methods results with the simulation data, the position of the fluid separation can be detected accurately and effectively.