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An Optical MEMS Sensor for Dynamic Wall Shear Stress Measurement in Complex Flow

  • Yunjian Chen
  • , Yunzhe Liu
  • , Daoyuan Wang
  • , Shengming Ma
  • , Chuqiao Wang
  • , Lei Shi
  • , Yipeng Yang
  • , Xingxu Zhang
  • , Binghe Ma
  • Northwestern Polytechnical University Xian

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This work presents an optical MEMS wall shear stress sensor specifically designed for dynamic measurements in complex flow. The sensor features a floating structure integrated with a differential optical readout scheme, enabling non-contact detection of micro-scale displacements with a high temporal resolution. This configuration offers strong immunity to electromagnetic interference. Structural parameters are optimized through a multi-objective genetic algorithm, resulting in a theoretical first-order resonance frequency of 10.4 kHz while preserving sufficient mechanical sensitivity. The performance of the fabricated sensor prototypes is comprehensively validated through a series of experiments, including static calibration in a laminar flow channel, transient response characterization in a shock tube, and unsteady wall shear stress measurements in various wind tunnel environments. The experimental results confirm that the sensor reliably captures abrupt variations in wall shear stress and exhibits consistent dynamic responses. A repeatability error of only 1.36% demonstrates the sensor's reliability and applicability in high-speed, unsteady flow measurements.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIEEE SENSORS 2025 - Conference Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9798331544676
DOIs
StatePublished - 2025
Event2025 IEEE SENSORS - Vancouver, Canada
Duration: 19 Oct 202522 Oct 2025

Publication series

NameProceedings of IEEE Sensors
ISSN (Print)1930-0395
ISSN (Electronic)2168-9229

Conference

Conference2025 IEEE SENSORS
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityVancouver
Period19/10/2522/10/25

Keywords

  • optical MEMS sensor
  • unsteady flow
  • wall shear stress measurement
  • wind tunnel experiments

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