devices and methods employing interdigitated dielectrostrictive sensors are disclosed for measuring shear stress , and obtaining strain - dielectric and stress - dielectric coefficients to monitor a process , and examine quality of dielectric materials , including but not limited to polymer , composite , grease , food , biofluids and etc . the dielectrostrictive sensor includes at least two interdigitated sensors , each having at least two electrodes and a central axis . the central axes are disposed in a common plane and are oriented at different directions .