Optically interrogated, microfabricated wall shear stress sensor

A microfabricated optically-interrogated wall shear stress sensor has been developed which will allow for accurate measurement of the shear stress distribution present on aerodynamic surfaces. The application of shear stress results in a change in the reflectivity of the surface of the sensor which provides a direct measurement of local shear stress distribution. The operation of the sensor has been experimentally verified in both subsonic and supersonic flow regimes. The experimental set-up used to validate its performance is described, and experimental data is presented.