Robust Thin-Film Temperature Sensors Embedded on Nozzle Guide Vane Surface

Integrated thin-film sensors to measure the vane’s surface temperature are necessary for more efficient and smarter aeroengines. In this paper, a thin-film platinum/rhodioplatinum sensor array was built using microelectromechanical system technology on the surface of a nozzle guide vane, and a series of harsh tests was formulated and performed on these embedded sensors, such as 40g vibrating and 100g shocking tests, as well as an up to 1200°C high-pressure hot-gas turbine test. The sensor system (including the thin film and wire) is highly adherent and durable after the aforementioned tests, as well as the temperature cycling/shocking tests afterward, indicating that such thin-film sensors embedded on the vane surface are not only capable of detecting high temperatures but also able to stand for the tough working conditions in a propulsion environment of high vibration, violent shocking, and abrupt temperature stressing. These thin-film sensors are less than 1 μm thick, and thereby more accurate as compared to a traditional wired thermocouple on the surface temperature measurements of turbine blades, serving the general engineering purpose for aeroengine research and development, as well as health monitoring.