Conformal self-powered high signal-to-noise ratio biomimetic in-situ aircraft surface turbulence mapping system

Turbulence, a state of disordered and random air hydrodynamic phenomenon, constantly pits it against flight safety during aviation. In the interplay between safe flight and turbulence, the challenge of real-time in situ monitoring of the surface airflow state on aircraft has become a difficult but crucial challenge. However, due to constraints in materials science and technological advancements, a flawless solution for mapping the surface airflow of aircraft has not yet been developed. Herein, based on the strong conformability, strong positive tribomaterial silk fibroin and fluid dynamics biomimetic design, a self-powered, high signal-to-noise ratio in-situ aircraft surface turbulence mapping system has been developed based on the principle of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). On one hand, the system functions as a vortex generator during normal flight; on the other hand, the system can swiftly detect the degree of stall and enhance flight safety when the aircraft suffers airflow separation due to a high angle of attack. The backend signal of the system is transmitted by a self-developed wireless transmitter, suitable for various fixed-wing aircraft.