Sensing Surface Temperature of Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) Materials

FluoreScience, Inc. is proposing an innovative thermometry technique for measuring the surface temperature of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) that are critical to the success of new, high performance turbine engines in the Air Force IHPTET program. The technique, phosphor thermometry, is based on the temperature dependence of the fluorescence of refractory phosphors deposited in thin (less than 50 micrometers thick) layers on surfaces of interest, and has been successful in other applications. The method is absolute, independent of surface emissivity or transmissivity, and can be performed remotely without damage to aerodynamic or structural properties of the measured components. The fluorescence is measured in a narrow wavelength range and over a duration of only tens of microseconds, therefore, it is able to be sensed in the presence of high temperature, blackbody radiation backgrounds. Because of the optical nature of the measurement it is amenable to use optical fibers in pressure resistant probes. Phase I will show the feasibility of the method, leading to Phase II tests of CMCs in high pressure burner rigs.