Integration of Onboard Distributed Flow Sensing Using AF Intellectual Property US9658087B1

Artificial Hair Sensors (AHS) can be viewed as smart tufts, similar to tufts used in wind tunnel and flight tests for flow visualization, with the added benefit of providing quantitative flow information. AHS can potentially be a low-cost alternative to current high-end flow velocity sensors, with a distributed array of them providing assessment of the flow field around the vehicle. To transition AHS from the lab to the market, we will address manufacturing, operational and business issues. Building on Phase I work, we will develop volume fabrication processes to manufacture 100s of AHS in a single batch with predictable and reliable performance. We will also develop low-cost, rapid sensor calibration techniques for reliable operational use. The goal of our Phase II program is to increase to TRL 6-7 and MRL 5-6. Additionally, we plan to distribute fully operational sensors, to government test labs and universities for testing and feedback. The focus initially will be on simple applications (e.g., binary sensor to detect flow transition), successively moving to more sophisticated applications (sensor arrays, higher speeds/temperatures). We anticipate commercialization AHS within a year after Phase II and establish a profitable business division within 2 more years thereafter.