Introduction
Thermal anemometry is the most common method used to measure instantaneous fluid velocity. The technique depends on the convective heat loss to the surrounding fluid from an electrically heated sensing element or probe. If only the fluid velocity varies, then the heat loss can be interpreted as a measure of that variable.
Two fundamentally different sensor types will be discussed below. Cylindrical sensors (hot wires and hot films) are most commonly used to measure the fluid velocity while flush sensors (hot films) are employed to measure the wall shear stress. Hot-wire sensors are, as the name implies, made from short lengths of resistance wire and are circular in section. Hot-film sensors consist of a thin layer of conducting material that has been deposited on a non-conducting substrate. Hot-film sensors may also be cylindrical but may also take other forms, such as those that are flush-mounted.
Thermal anemometry enjoys its popularity because the technique involves the use of very small probes that offer very high spatial resolution and excellent frequency response characteristics. The basic principles of the technique are relatively straightforward and the probes are difficult to damage if reasonable care is taken. Most sensors are operated in the constant temperature mode.