Method and apparatus for detecting laminar flow separation and reattachment

摘要

The invention is a method and apparatus for simultaneously detecting laminar separation and reattachment of a fluid stream such as an airstream from and to the upper surface of an airfoil 22 by simultaneously sensing and comparing a plurality of output signals S, each representing the dynamic shear stress at one of an equal number of sensors 27 spaced along a straight line on the surface of the airfoil 22 that extends parallel to the airstream. The output signals S are simultaneously compared to detect the sensors across which a reversal in phase of said output signal S occurs, said detected sensors being in the region of laminar separation or reattachment.