NSF Org:	CMMI Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation
Recipient:	VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE & STATE UNIVERSITY
Initial Amendment Date:	August 1, 2005
Latest Amendment Date:	May 27, 2009
Award Number:	0510238
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	george hazelrigg CMMI  Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation ENG  Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	August 15, 2005
End Date:	July 31, 2010 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$0.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$249,445.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 2005 = $249,445.00
History of Investigator:	Pavlos Vlachos (Principal Investigator) pvlachos@purdue.edu Donald Leo (Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 300 TURNER ST NW BLACKSBURG VA  US  24060-3359 (540)231-5281
Sponsor Congressional District:	09
Primary Place of Performance:	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 300 TURNER ST NW BLACKSBURG VA  US  24060-3359
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:	09
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	QDE5UHE5XD16
Parent UEI:	X6KEFGLHSJX7
NSF Program(s):	SENSORS SOLICITATION
Primary Program Source:	app-0105
Program Reference Code(s):	1057, 7224, 7234, CVIS
Program Element Code(s):	744700
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.041

ABSTRACT

Abstract
0510238
PI: Pavlos Vlachos, Virginia Tech

Wall shear stress measurements and the contribution of shear stresses to the viscous drag of air and water vehicles are critically important for numerous applications. The sensitivity and accuracy needed to quantify the wall shear stresses in complex unsteady flows is not attainable with the existing state-of-the-art measurement technologies. This research effort provides a paradigm shift in direct sensing of wall shear stresses by employing ionomeric electroactive polymer transducers. Preliminary results demonstrate that this active material exhibits exceptional sensitivity to flow-induced shear stress with high accuracy and high frequency response. In addition, it allows fabrication of miniature flush mountable sensors that eliminate moving parts increasing robustness, ease of implementation and reducing cost.
Ionic polymer transducers have never been used for wall shear sensing thus the electromechanical coupling mechanism that provides shear transduction is not understood. This program will determine the fundamental sensing properties of ionic polymer transducers under wall shear will improve sensor fabrication and packaging and will develop a methodology for high frequency dynamic calibration. A variety of possible applications ranging from biofluids to classical aerodynamics will be explored.

This is a project supported under the Sensor Initiative NSF 05-526.

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