Peng Jiang, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Florida, was awarded a grant from the Space Research Initiative (SRI seed fund) to develop a colorimetric shear stress sensor for aerodynamic measurements.

“The advantages of this sensor would be that it is ultra-thin, inexpensive, and of a conformal nature that results in low disturbance to airflow,” Dr. Jiang said.

The Jiang Lab will design, produce, and test a color-changing stress sensor that provides easy measurements of friction forces in an aerodynamic environment. Their current research is focused on self-assembled photonic and plasmonic crystals, biomimetic broadband antireflection coatings, novel stimuli-response shape memory polymers, and smart window coatings for energy-efficient buildings.

“Dr. Jiang’s work with companies in Florida to develop novel chromogenic sensors for aerospace applications such as this one is an example of the contributions our faculty and students make to technology and the local economy,” said Carlos Rinaldi, Ph.D., Dean’s Leadership Professor and Chair of the UF Department of Chemical Engineering.

Dr. Jiang’s research laboratory develops novel chemical, physical, engineering, and biological applications utilizing nanostructured materials.