A High-Sensitive Bio-Inspired Differential Pressure Sensor for Vortex Source Localization

The perception of hydrodynamics renders underwater robots with a sixth sense, enabling them to navigate challenging environments, such as turbid waters. Traditional differential pressure sensors used for hydrodynamic monitoring often struggle with flexibility and sensitivity constraints, limiting their practical utility. Drawing inspiration from fish canal lateral line systems, we have engineered a bio-inspired differential pressure sensor (BioDPS) by integrating thermal flow sensors into a flexible PDMS canal punctuated with a series of micropores. The performance of the BioDPS in detecting pressure differences was meticulously evaluated under both static and dynamic conditions. Our BioDPS device achieved an impressive static pressure difference resolution of 50 mPa and a dynamic pressure difference detection limit of 6.9 mPa. Leveraging its adaptable design and high sensitivity in monitoring hydrodynamic pressure differences, an array of BioDPS sensors integrated into an airfoil model successfully localized vortices. The compelling performance of our BioDPS, validated across static and dynamic pressure differentials, underscores its immense potential in hydrodynamic monitoring and advanced underwater exploration endeavors.