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At least 127 records · Page 7

Program Processes Thermocouple Readings

Digital Signal Processor for Thermocouples (DART) computer program implements precise and fast method of converting voltage to temperature for large-temperature-range thermocouple applications. Written using LabVIEW software. DART available only as object code for use on Macintosh II FX or higher-series computers running System 7.0 or later and IBM PC-series and compatible computers running Microsoft Windows 3.1. Macintosh version of DART (SSC-00032) requires LabVIEW 2.2.1 or 3.0 for execution. IBM PC version (SSC-00031) requires LabVIEW 3.0 for Windows 3.1. LabVIEW software product of National Instruments and not included with program.

Quave, Christine A.↗

Multiwire Thermocouples in Reversing Flow

Measurements are recorded for multiwire thermocouples consisting of either two or three wires of unequal diameters. Signals from the multiwire probe are recorded for a reversing gas flow with both a periodic temperature and time constant fluctuation. It is demonstrated that the reconstructed signal from the multiwire thermocouple requires no compensation provided omega/omega(sub 1) less than 2.3 for two wires or omega/omega(sub 1) less than 3.6 for three wires where omega(sub 1) (= 2(pi)f) is the natural frequency of the smaller wire based on the maximum gas velocity. The latter results were possible provided Fourier transformed data from the wires were used and knowledge of the gas velocity phase angle was available.

Forney, L. J.↗

Advances in Thin Film Thermocouple Durability Under High Temperature and Pressure Testing Conditions

Thin film thermocouples for measuring material surface temperature have been previously demonstrated on several material systems and in various hostile test environments. A well-developed thin film fabrication procedure utilizing shadow masking for patterning the sensors elements had produced thin films with sufficient durability for applications in high temperature and pressure environments that exist in air-breathing and hydrogen-fueled burner rig and engine test facilities. However, while shadow masking had been a reliable method for specimens with flat and gently curved surfaces, it had not been consistently reliable for use on test components with sharp contours. This work reports on the feasibility of utilizing photolithography processing for patterning thin film thermocouples. Because this patterning process required changes in the thin film deposition process from that developed for shadow masking, the effect of these changes on thin film adherence during burner rig testing was evaluated. In addition to the results of changing the patterning method, the effects on thin film adherence of other processes used in the thin film fabrication procedure is also presented.

Martin, Lisa C.↗

An Innovative Flow-Measuring Device: Thermocouple Boundary Layer Rake

An innovative flow-measuring device, a thermocouple boundary layer rake, was developed. The sensor detects the flow by using a thin-film thermocouple (TC) array to measure the temperature difference across a heater strip. The heater and TC arrays are microfabricated on a constant-thickness quartz strut with low heat conductivity. The device can measure the velocity profile well into the boundary layer, about 65 gm from the surface, which is almost four times closer to the surface than has been possible with the previously used total pressure tube.

Hwang, Danny P.↗

Thermocouple Extension-Wire-Connections and Low Temperatures

Experiments were carried out to determine the casue of erroneous readings from thermocouples of type K when measuring temperatures of liquid hydrogen. It was believed to be linked to te temperature of the connector used to extend the thermocouple wires to the voltage meter.

Figueroa, Fernando↗

Attachment of Free Filament Thermocouples for Temperature Measurements on Ceramic Matrix Composites

At the NASA Lewis Research Center, a new installation technique utilizing convoluted wire thermocouples (TC's) was developed and proven to produce very good adhesion on CMC's, even in a burner rig environment. Because of their unique convoluted design, such TC's of various types and sizes adhere to flat or curved CMC specimens with no sign of delamination, open circuits, or interactions-even after testing in a Mach 0.3 burner rig to 1200 C (2200 F) for several thermal cycles and at several hours at high temperatures. Large differences in thermal expansion between metal thermocouples and low-expansion materials, such as CMC's, normally generate large stresses in the wires. These stresses cause straight wires to detach, but convoluted wires that are bonded with strips of coating allow bending in the unbonded portion to relieve these expansion stresses.

Lei, Jih-Fen↗

Connecting to Thermocouples with Fewer Lead Wires

A simple technique has been devised to reduce the number of lead wires needed to connect an array of thermocouples to the instruments (e.g., voltmeters) used to read their output voltages. Because thermocouple wires are usually made of expensive metal alloys, reducing the number of lead wires can effect a considerable reduction in the cost of such an array. Reducing the number of wires also reduces the number of terminals and the amount of space needed to accommodate the wires.

Goldsby, Jon C.↗

Development of a Sheathed Miniature Aerothermal Reentry Thermocouple for Thermal Protection System Materials

The Sheathed Miniature Aerothermal Reentry Thermocouple is a micro-miniature thermocouple for high temperature measurement in extreme environments. It is available for use in Thermal Protection System materials for ground testing and flight. This paper discusses the heritage, and design of the instrument. Experimental and analytical methods used to verify its performance and limitations are described.

Reentry↗

Uncertainty Analysis of Coaxial Thermocouple Calorimeters Used in Arc Jets

Recent introduction of Coaxial Thermocouple type calorimeters into the NASA Ames arc jet facilities has inspired an analysis of 2D conduction effects internal to this type of calorimeter. The 1D finite slab inverse analysis (which is typically used to deduce the heat transfer to the calorimeter) relies on the assumption that lateral conduction (i.e., 2D effects) is negligible. Most calorimeter bodies have a spherical nose, which in itself is a violation of the 1D finite slab analysis assumption. Secondly most calorimeters experience a variation in heating across the face of the body which is also a violation of the 1D finite slab analysis assumption. It turns out that these two effects tend to cancel each other to some extent. This paper shows the extent to which error exists in the analysis of the Coaxial Thermocouple type calorimeters, and also offers analysis strategies for reducing the errors.

Lateral Conduction↗