Shear probe for use in operational microstructure measuring systems

As a part of the EUREKA/EUROMAR project MICSOS (Micro-Structure Ocean Sonde), a modified airfoil shear probe has been developed and tested. The new shear probe PNS 93 is specially designed for the use in operational microstructure measuring systems. The main distinction between this probe and the conventional airfoil shear probes is the use of a cantilever which transmits the lift force on the probe tip to the piezoceramic beam in the interior of the sensor. Extended laboratory test measurements and calibrations, performed in cooperation with the University of Victoria/Canada, were focused on the determination of the parameters of the PNS probe in detail and the comparison with that of the conventional shear probes. Compared to commonly used shear probes, the PNS 93 probes have advantages concerning the resolution, the sensitivity, the isolation penetration of moisture and the mechanical stability