An Evaluation of Imbedded Thermocouples as a Solid-Propellant Combustion Diagnostic

Download or read book An Evaluation of Imbedded Thermocouples as a Solid-Propellant Combustion Diagnostic written by Martin S. Miller and published by . This book was released on 1990 with total page 29 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is a continuing need for temperature profiles through the combustion wave of solid propellants under steady-state conditions. This work aims at assessing the circumstances under which imbedded fine-gauge thermocouples can provide accurate results. Errors can arise from inadequate rates of thermal accommodation to the subject temperature field, from perturbation of the field itself by mismatches in specific heat between thermocouple and propellant or by thermal conduction in the electrical leads from the junction, from catalysis of local reactions at the surface temperatures because of energy loss by thermal radiation. A systematic approach is adopted wherein each of these sources of error is explored by methodical variation of controlling factors. The study is not yet complete, but preliminary results are presented for two gun propellants at three pressures using 50 micron Pt/Pt10%Rh thermocouples in three lead-angle configurations.