Design, fabricate, calibrate, and test time-resolved, direct shear stress sensors capable of measuring stresses in harsh environments using miniaturized optics. Optical gratings on the floating element sensor generate Moire fringe patterns for optical amplification of the floating element displacements due to applied shear stress.
The goal of this research is to develop a pressure sensor and shear stress sensor that are able to provide continuous, time-resolved flow measurements within high temperature environments such as those seen in hypersonic wind tunnels and turbines. A primary focus of this research is on the micromachining of sapphire using a picosecond laser. Sapphire’s mechanical and thermal properties make it an ideal material for high temperature measurements. Each sensor operates by mechanically deflecting under either a pressure or shear stress. These deflections can then be detected using an opto-mechanical transduction scheme. The completed sensors will be tested in flow cells and wind tunnels at UF as well as in other transonic and hypersonic facilities.
J-355PS Picosecond Laser Micromachining Workstation from Oxford Lasers