Objective The project aims to develop a preliminary configuration of an optical sensor that is able to detect sub-mum-degradations of microstructured coatings (e. g. riblets) with highest accuracy. The availability of such sensor is mandatory for the establishment of drag-reduction riblet structures on aircraft wings and/or body components. Any type of degradations of the riblet structure are unfavorable for their functionality and negatively affect the aspect of fuel savings. This makes a sensor necessary, that allows to measure the state of riblet degradation with highest accuracy in the course of aircraft maintenance.We propose an optical sensor whose principle function is based on a simple physical phenomenon: the scattering of light. This sensor probes the riblet surface with a coherent laser beam and analyzes the scattering pattern in direction of reflection.Particularly the angular intensity distribution of the scattering pattern is unambiguous for the shape of the microstructure. Any type of riblet-degradation is causally related to an alteration of the scattering pattern. Taking into account a periodic riblet microstructure of triangular shape with degradation, the scattering intensity distribution becomes complex. Hence, a great effort is required for the clear determination of type and state of degradation from the scattering pattern.We will address this task by combined theoretical and experimental studies of the scattering pattern. Theory yields calculations of the scattering pattern in the far-field for a variety of riblet shapes, spatial frequencies and for both non-degraded and degraded riblets. These calculations are compared with experimental studies on differently coated riblet structures, i.e. on real structures. Parameters that are characteristic for the device function (accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio) will be defined. The project ends with a preliminary configuration for an optical sensor with optimum specifications. Fields of science engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensorsengineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaircraftengineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and filmsengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physics Programme(s) FP7-JTI - Specific Programme "Cooperation": Joint Technology Initiatives Topic(s) JTI-CS-2011-2-SFWA-01-039 - Pattern measurements using laser scattering Call for proposal SP1-JTI-CS-2011-02 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme JTI-CS - Joint Technology Initiatives - Clean Sky Coordinator UNIVERSITAET OSNABRUECK EU contribution € 149 194,00 Address NEUER GRABEN/SCHLOSS 29 49074 Osnabrueck Germany See on map Region Niedersachsen Weser-Ems Osnabrück, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Mirco Imlau (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data