A New Decomposition Method for Split-Film Thermoanemometry Probes

This paper presents a novel decomposition method for split-film probes to improve pitch angle determination over a wide range of flow velocities. Conventional approaches often suffer from the velocity dependence of the directional response function, resulting in large angular errors. The proposed method introduces a new functional formulation based on effective cooling velocities and velocity-dependent reference parameters. These parameters are explicitly derived from calibration data and modeled using fourth-order polynomial regressions to suppress velocity-induced variance. Experimental verification conducted for velocities between 2.2 and 14.6 m/s demonstrates that the proposed method collapses the calibration data more effectively than previous models. The total angular estimation error does not exceed ±2° within the pitch angle range from −60° to 60°. The proposed approach is therefore suitable for reliable measurements in low-velocity regions of complex flows, such as wakes and recirculation zones.