Evaluation of miniature single-wire sheathed thermocouples for turbine blade temperature measurement

Chromel Alumel thermocouples were used, with sheath diameters of 0.15 and 0.25 mm. Tests were conducted at temperatures ranging from 750 to 1250 K. Both steady state and thermal cycling tests were performed for times up to 200 hours. Initial testing was performed in a low velocity gas stream for long time periods using a Meker-type burner. Additional testing was done in a high velocity gas stream for short time periods using a hot gas tunnel and also in a J75 jet engine. A total of eleven 0.15 mm diameter thermocouples and six 0.25 mm diameter thermocouples were tested. Drift rates up to 2.5% in 10 hours were observed. Photomicrographs show that this design is near the limit of miniaturization based on present manufacturing capabilities. Results indicate that the effects of miniaturization on reliability and accuracy must be considered when choosing thermocouples for a particular application.