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Development of sensors for ceramic components in advanced propulsion systems

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5691305

This study, which was performed for the National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration-Lewis Research Center in conjunction with Pratt Whitney, was undertaken to determine the feasibility of utilizing thermographic phosphors for monitoring the temperature of ceramic engine components above 1000{degree}C. The Applied Technology Division of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory was asked to choose the appropriate phosphors and use existing technology to bond the phosphors to candidate substrates for future evaluation by Pratt Whitney. Utilizing existing technology for bonding high-temperature phosphors to nickel-based turbine blades, the phosphors were bonded to several different ceramic substrates. The ceramic substrates provided by Pratt Whitney were silicon nitrate, silicon carbide, mullite, zirconia, and compglas. The phosphor/substrate system was cycled to 1500{degree}C by Pratt Whitney researchers. Surface characterization of a small number of phosphor/substrate systems was performed. The phosphor adherence was good on the majority of the samples. The phosphor/substrate system survived well for a first attempt at coating ceramic-based materials. Several samples showed evidence of either the phosphor diffusing into the substrate or the substrate material diffusing into the phosphor coating. Additional work is needed to optimize the phosphor/substrate system. 9 refs., 16 figs.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA). Applied Technology Div.; Oak Ridge K-25 Site, TN (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; NASA; USDOE, Washington, DC (USA); National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
5691305
Report Number(s):
ORNL/ATD-50; ON: DE91011215
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English