Thermal tuft fluid flow investigation apparatus with a color alterable thermally responsive liquid crystal layer

摘要

A heat transfer-based surface flow visualization method and device that uses a temperature sensitive material to detect advection along a substrate upon application of heat and air flow and thereby provides a surface flow pattern. The present invention includes the capability of providing surface flow patterns for positions of flow separation, reversal of flow and transition flow and is non-intrusive and more cost effective than known methods.