Fast Response, Fiber-Optic Micromachined Five-Hole Probe for Three-Dimensional Flow Measurements in Harsh Environments

The Interdisciplinary Consulting Corporation (IC2) proposes the development of a fiber-optic, micromachined five-hole probe for three-dimensional flow measurements in harsh environments. The goal of this research is to develop a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based, optical probe capable of significantly improved performance compared to existing available sensors, by enabling faster response time, higher bandwidth transduction and increased angular measurement range while reducing sensor power requirements. The proposed technology offers these benefits in a compact, high-temperature capable package, extending past successes in fiber-optic, micromachined pressure sensing technology. Specifically, this sensor technology will be developed to address NASAs objective to develop innovative tools and technologies that can be applied in NASA ground-based test facilities to revolutionize wind tunnel testing and measurement capabilities and improve utilization and efficiency as per subtopic A1.08 Aeronautics Ground Test and Measurements Technologies of the NASA FY 2017 SBIR/STTR Solicitation. The proposed innovations will specifically provide the following benefits for wind-tunnel applications:

• Faster response/settling time, higher bandwidth performance and increased angular resolution
• Micromachined pressure transducers for high bandwidth transduction
• Optical transduction for lower power, EMI-immune operation
• Compact package for high spatial resolution
• High temperature, harsh-environment capability via use of advanced materials
• Modular for extension to other probe tip geometries