Pneumatic sensors based on colliding curved wall jets

Abstract

The paper discusses a novel version of fluidic sensors (in particular operating with air) based on a so far unknown aerodynamic principle—with two wall jets colliding head-on and both attached by the Coanda effect to the same cylindrical surface. The sensors may be particularly suitable for operation at low Reynolds numbers. Performed experimental investigation combined with numerical flowfield computations revealed several interesting aspects of the new approach. Among them, the most interesting is the discovery of symmetry breaking, which leads to existence of three alternative different stable flow regimes. This opens a possibility of designing fluidic tristable amplifiers and control systems operating with ternary logic.