Abstract
The purpose of this document is to organize the theory, industry practices, and research related to designing a device that pulls air through a pipe, containing an environmental sensor, at a rate controlled by a computer fan. Using such a device to regulate the airflow over a sensor can improve the accuracy of field readings, as sensors are often unintentionally sensitive to multiple external conditions. Changes in wind direction and speed or heating due to solar radiation, for example, can cause errors in gas concentration and temperature readings, warranting the need to correct for these factors without decoupling these sensors from their environment.
In short, this document provides a foundation in fluid dynamics, HVAC, wind tunnels, computer cooling, compressed air systems, and sensor shielding—crafted specifically for the MEMS 3120 Controlled-Airflow Sensor Enclosure (CASE).
Document Type
Final Report
Class Name
Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences Independent Study
Language
English (en)
Date of Submission
8-12-2025
Recommended Citation
Cattoor, Catryn N., "Controlled-Airflow Sensor Enclosure (CASE) Design Document" (2025). Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study. 305.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mems500/305