The proposal investigates the use of an array of MEMS based artificial hair cell sensors (AHC) for flow detection. The output from the AHC array is processed through an artificial neural network (ANN) to perform airflow diagnostics and compute air data parameters. The proposed air data system uses artificial hair cell sensors as the primary air data source, mimicking the functionality of the hair cells on insect wings. Like the hair cell arrays on insect wings, an array of artificial hair cells will be used to detect the airflow on the MAV lifting surfaces. Similar to a biological nervous system, the raw signals of the AHC array are processed by the ANN to compute freestream dynamic pressure, angle of attack, and angle of sideslip. Together with the static reference pressure from a miniature pressure sensor, the complete set of air data parameters can be computed from this data. Due to its architecture, the proposed ADS will also be capable of detecting the development of laminar separation bubbles on the lifting surfaces and to provide suitable output for the operational flight program to suppress or preclude the development of an LSB.
Keywords: Artificial Hair Cells, Neural Network, Air Data, Micro Air Vehicles, Flow Diagnostics, Biomimetic System
