The Need
Accurate, real-time mapping of shear forces in fluid environments remains a challenge, particularly in applications requiring passive, non-invasive, and long-term monitoring. Existing technologies often rely on active sensors that require power, are difficult to integrate into sensitive systems, or lack the spatial resolution needed for detailed flow diagnostics. There is a clear need for a low-power, high-resolution solution that can visualize and retain directional flow information across diverse environments.

The Technology
This innovation introduces a liquid crystal (LC)-based memory surface that passively encodes and retains directional shear force information. The system utilizes the alignment behavior of LCs on engineered substrates to visualize flow patterns induced by air or liquid shear. Once aligned, the LC configuration remains stable without power input, effectively “recording” the flow. The surface can be reset and reused via external stimuli, enabling dynamic and repeatable sensing in both gaseous and liquid environments.

Potential Commercial Applications
• Aerodynamic surface diagnostics in aerospace and automotive industries
• Microfluidic device monitoring and optimization
• Biomedical flow sensing (e.g., blood flow in diagnostic devices)
• Environmental monitoring of air and water currents
• Industrial process control in fluid systems

Benefits/Advantages
• Passive operation: No continuous power required for sensing or memory retention
• High-resolution visualization: Direct mapping of flow patterns without intrusive probes
• Reversible and reusable: Easily resettable for repeated use in dynamic settings
• Versatile: Effective in both air and liquid shear environments
• Scalable and integrable: Compatible with a range of surface geometries and materials