Project Title:
Shear Stress Development Using Surface Acoustic Waves
02.06-4037
Shear Stress Development Using Surface Acoustic Waves
Raman Aeronautics Inc.
734 Melville Avenue
Palo Alto
CA
94301
Raman
K. R.
NAS2-12481
Amount:
ARC
NAS2-12121
Abstract:
This project is concerned with the development of a small, reliable anduniversally acceptable surface shear stress (or skin friction) sensor for aerodynamic
boundary layer research at subsonic to supersonic speeds. The interdigital transducers
(IDTs) required by the surface acoustic wave (SAW) delay-line concept on the crystal
substrates have been generated and are being evaluated. The enclosure to house the
crystal cantilevered beam has been designed, all parts machined and two units assembled
to accept the crystal beam. After bench tests are completed, a more sensitive and
sophisticated SAW resonator (replacing the delay-line IDTs) on the crystal beam will
be designed. A pair of reflector gratings and IDT in the acoustic cavity that are
required for resonator concept will be designed and generated on the crystal surface.
The developed sensor will be extensively tested inthe laboratory prior to being
used in the wind tunnel.