The effect of scratch technique on the thermal-product value of temperature sensors

Abstract

The effect of different scratch techniques, mainly abrasive papers and scalpel blades used to form the junctions of temperature sensors, on the thermal-product value of these sensors, was examined. A dynamic calibration procedure of scratched sensors in a shock tube facility which allows easy evaluation of their thermal-product value is outlined. The thermal product of a particular sensor was found to be dependent on the flow Mach number, junction scratch technique, junction location, and also on the enthalpy conditions. It was shown that using different scratch techniques normally results in different thermal-product values of sensors. The experimental procedure used in the present study has yielded practical data on characteristics of scratched temperature sensors; these data can be used in accurate measurement of transient heat transfer under hypersonic flow conditions. © 2011 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.