Abstract: An ambient temperature learning algorithm provides a series of ambient temperature estimates which are calculated as a function of the induction air temperature as measured by an induction temperature sensor and this series of estimates is then filtered to provide an accurate reading of the actual ambient temperature. To increase the accuracy of the ambient temperature following an engine-off soak period, the initial estimate of the ambient can be made based upon several criteria. If the engine has not run for several hours, the induction system measurement from which the estimates are made is a good starting value. How long the engine has been off can be determined by a soak timer in the vehicle or by comparing the engine coolant temperature with the induction system temperature. If the coolant and induction system temperatures are very close, the soak period can be assumed long enough for the induction temperature to be a good starting point for the learned ambient temperature.

Abstract: A diagnosis apparatus for diagnosing a catalystic converter of a motor vehicle as to whether the catalyst suffers deterioration by estimating a temperature of the catalyst or that of the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the catalyst on the basis of a plurality of engine parameters to thereby decide deterioration of the catalyst by using as an index the estimated temperature. The apparatus includes a unit for estimating the temperature of the catalyst in a steady state by making use of an engine speed and an engine load which represent typical parameters employed in fuel injection control of the engine. The steady-state temperature facility is realized by storing the engine speeds and the engine loads obtained experimentally in the steady state operation of the engine in the form of a two-dimensional data map.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the temperature of a gas charge in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine increase the accuracy with which the temperature of the gas charge is determined. The gas charge includes a residual gas portion and a fresh gas portion. The temperature of the gas charge is determined by ascertaining the temperature of the fresh gas portion, the proportion of the fresh gas portion in the gas charge, the temperature of the residual gas portion, and the proportion of the residual gas portion in the gas charge. The temperature of the gas charge is calculated based on these ascertained quantities.

Abstract: A measuring technique and method are provided to simultaneously determine the molecular density of several molecular species and the temperature within a closed process room in a melting or combustion process. In such processes in the industry, e.g. in metallurgic process industry, it is important to determine the temperature and the contents within the gas or flame without physically connect to or disturb the process. This has shown to raise large problems especially at high temperatures. The radio signal over a frequency band is measured on the outside of the process room through a window in the mantel covering as a function of frequency and registered on a computer as a radio spectrum. The system is calibrated by using a known signal transmitted through the process room. The spectral lines are identified by their frequency from a database. The temperature is determined from several lines of the same molecular specie and the molecular densities are determined from the intensities of the lines.

Abstract: A method for generating a signal (TAn) responsive to the induction air temperature of an internal combustion engine. The signal (TAn) for the induction air temperature is determined from a signal (TMot) for the temperature of the internal combustion engine, from a signal (TU) for the ambient temperature, and from a correction factor K. Correction factor K is a function of a signal (mL) and/or a vehicular speed signal (v), signal (mL) representing either the induction air quantity or the air mass of the internal combustion engine. To enable the most accurate possible simulation of induction air temperature, even under changing operating conditions, the signal (TAn) for the induction air temperature is filtered, it being possible to variably select the time constant (ZK) of the filter in response to rising and falling induction air temperatures.

Abstract: A method for displaying the outside temperature within a motor vehicle in which measured values of the outside temperature are displayed with a greater time delay in the case of increasing temperature on an outside-temperature sensor than in the case of a decreasing temperature. In order to suppress erroneous display of the outside temperature, the time delay is varied as a function of the temperature of the engine.

Abstract: In a temperature sensor for measuring and/or monitoring the temperature of a medium, in particular air, flowing in a flow conduit, in particular an intake tube, of an internal combustion engine, having a plastic body that can be plugged into a receiving bore and that carries a plastic plug with electrical connections and carries a plastic part, which has a resistor element and protrudes into the flow conduit, in order to reduce the manufacture and installation cost, at least one annular sealing bead, which produces the seal in relation to the inner wall of the receiving bore, and snap hooks are molded on the plastic body, which hooks engage behind radial shoulders embodies in the receiving bore.

Abstract: A spark plug temperature sensor adaptor which is removably attached to a spark plug to provide a temperature reading of conditions in an internal combustion engine cylinder. The temperature sensor adaptor has a hollow cylindrical shape with a hexangular cross-section to mate with the hexangular shape of a spark plug and a thermocouple to sense the temperature of a spark plug.

Abstract: In a high temperature probe (10), in particular for use in the hot gas stream of a gas turbine at temperatures of up to 1200.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and device for generating a simulated signal relating to a temperature in the exhaust system of a motor vehicle. By means of a characteristic curve or a characteristic diagram, a signal for a steady state exhaust gas temperature is generated as a function of the flow rate of gas through the internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle. This signal is further processed to generate a signal for a rapid portion and to form a signal for a slow portion of the exhaust gas temperature. The signals for the two portions are superimposed with a prescribable weighting to generate a signal for the exhaust gas temperature. The signal for the slow portion can be logically connected, before the superimposition, to a correction value which depends on the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and device for forming a signal relating to a temperature in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The method can be used, for example, to form a signal for the exhaust gas temperature upstream of the catalytic converter, a signal for the temperature in the catalytic converter, or a signal for the temperature downstream of the catalytic converter. The first step is to form a signal for a steady-state exhaust gas temperature as a function of at least one operating characteristic of the internal combustion engine. This signal can be subjected to a series of corrections in order to take into account parameters such as the efficiency of the internal combustion engine, the air/fuel ratio, the temperature of the intake air, the mixture flow rate, the vehicle speed, a possibly activated cylinder cutout, and the presence of condensed water in the exhaust system.

Abstract: A metallic thermocouple probe is capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1650.degree. C. in oxidizing environments. First and second electrically conductive leads of dissimilar metals are joined at an extreme sensing end and extend to a distant readout device. Metal oxide insulation such as beryllium oxide, magnesium oxide, and aluminum oxide, electrically isolates the conductive leads and thermally isolates them from the environment. The extreme sensing end of the thermocouple probe is encapsulated to render it impermeable to the formation of oxides thereon. This encapsulation includes a protective coating composed of a non-porous ceramic material, preferably a cementation applied disilicide. Additionally, a high temperature structural sheath overlies the insulation adjacent the extreme sensing end and a low temperature sheath overlies the insulation adjacent the first sheath distant from the extreme sensing end.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system for use in an internal combustion engines employs a removable optical housing that is inserted through a hole in the cylinder wall. The distal end of the housing supports a lens made of a material such as polycrystalline spinel or sapphire to provide a desired field of view within the cylinder and to project an image from the field of view through the internal passageway of the optical housing. A camera receives and records the image provided by the lens and optical housing. In the preferred embodiment, the distal portion of the optical housing is secured to the cylinder wall by means of threads or a breech-mount mechanism to permit quick and easy removal and cleaning of the lens. A thermocouple or heat flux gauge can be mounted to the cylinder wall within the field of view of the thermal imaging system to provide a reference point for temperature measurements.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a pyrometer adapter is disclosed for providing the optical head of a pyrometer access to a target area in a gas turbine engine, where the pyrometer adapter is subjected to relative motion between a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface, the pyrometer adapter including an outer tube having a first end mounted to the first mounting surface of the gas turbine engine and a second end terminating in a flange, and a second tube positioned radially inward of and in concentric arrangement with the outer tube, wherein the second tube extends through an opening in the first mounting surface so that the second tube is mounted at its first end to the gas turbine engine at the second mounting surface adjacent the target area and the pyrometer optical head is attached to a second end of the second tube, where the second tube also includes a flange extending from a middle portion thereof which is attached to the flange of the outer tube to form a flexible diaphragm wh

Abstract: A microprocessor based temperature determination system for displaying outside ambient temperature inside of an automotive vehicle. The system utilizes sensors for vehicle speed, engine temperature and exterior temperature measurements in order to accurately determine a true temperature indication, taking into account non-ambient heat sources. The temperature displayed to the vehicle's occupants is either the current reading from the exterior temperature sensor, or is an averaged temperature value. The averaged temperature value is determined by averaging the value of the temperature sensor's readings over a ten second interval, taking a sample every one half second.

Abstract: A compressor discharge temperature sensing system senses compressor discharge temperature for a compressor located within a housing. A sensor mounted external to the flow path receives high pressure air discharged from the compressor. The high pressure air flows past at least one thermocouple in the housing and through a purge line. The thermocouple measures the high pressure air temperature and the high pressure air is then returned to the flow path.

Abstract: A high temperature optical probe for an optical gas temperature sensor includes a support, a generally conical hollow tip, and a joint physically interconnecting the support and the tip. The tip includes as an electromagnetic radiation emitter a sapphire-free ceramic selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide and silicon nitride. An optical lens supported in the tip is removable from the tip for repair and replacement. The joint is of a material and geometry to accommodate the thermal stresses caused by differences in thermal coefficients of expansion between the tip, joint and support, and the mechanical stresses caused by the interaction of the probe and the gas stream during high velocity movement of the gas stream past the tip. The joint sidewall is welded to the support and has a thickness of 0.008-0.012 inch where it overlaps the tip.

Abstract: A high temperature optical probe for an optical gas temperature sensor includes a support, a generally conical hollow tip, and a joint physically interconnecting the support and the tip. The tip includes as an electromagnetic radiation emitter a sapphire-free ceramic selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide and silicon nitride.

Abstract: A pyrometer system for use in measuring the temperature of components in an operating jet engine corrects for random interference in the pyrometer temperature signal caused by radiation from the combustor flame. An optical beam from a periodically moving target engine component such as a turbine blade is provided to a detector module which splits the beam into two beams, one of which has a spectral width less than that of the target beam. Temperature signals are generated by a multiple spectral area pyrometer which are provided to a signal processor for correction. The signal processor compares present target temperature signal values sampled at selected phases during the target period with corresponding ones taken in an earlier period. Previous signals are averaged or replaced with current values if these meet criteria involving one or two temperature signals, noise band and magnitude.

Abstract: A method for operational monitoring of a catalytic converter of an exhaust system of an engine includes selecting at least two measurement locations at three-dimensionally spaced-apart cross-sectional regions of the exhaust system, and defining at least a partial volume of the catalytic converter between the locations being definitive for catalytic conversion of pollutants in the exhaust gas. The temperature at the regions is measured and monitored and the temperature at least at one of the locations is measured integrally over an approximately representative portion of at least one region and not spotwise. An apparatus for operational monitoring includes at least two temperature sensors disposed successively in flow direction in at least two regions of the exhaust system, defining at least the partial volume of the catalytic converter. At least one of the sensors integrally measures temperature over an approximately representative portion of the region in which it is disposed.

Abstract: Integrated design of a combustion pressure sensor (11, 12, 13, 14) and combustion heat-flow sensor (21) which is suitable for determining a physical variable of the combustion process of an engine.

Abstract: The rotor exhaust gas bulk total temperature relative to the last blade row of a combustion turbine is determined by traversing an optical pyrometer radially across the last stage blades. The resulting radial temperature measurements are then flow weight averaged to provide an accurate bulk gas temperature relative to the last row of blades. Such temperature is useful in a feedback control system for the turbine. A technique of traversing is to cause the optical pyrometer to traverse by mounting its line of sight or optical axis at an angle to its axis of rotation.

Abstract: An exhaust gas temperature measuring system for an internal combustion engine derives temperature from an oxygen sensor having a temperature dependent internal resistance disposed in an exhaust gas stream. The oxygen sensor produces an intrinsic voltage which is divided between the internal resistance and an external resistive load. An approximation of the oxygen sensor internal resistance is made from the value of the resistive load providing a value of the loaded sensor voltage having a predetermined relationship to the unloaded sensor voltage; and the internal resistance indicates the exhaust gas temperature.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed wherein a luminosity detector and a pressure transducer are used in an internal combustion engine to determine the burned gas temperature and trapped mass within each combustion chamber of the engine on a cycle-to-cycle basis or over a period of cycles, and to predict NO.sub.x emissions from the engine. Also disclosed is an arrangement wherein the burned gas temperature in each combustion chamber can be determined using only the luminosity detector.

Abstract: A light guide has a window through which radiation passes to a detector. The light guide is provided with a housing which defines a duct through which a flow of cooling fluid passes. The duct is arranged so that a proportion of the fluid flow passes over the external surface of the window to prevent deposition of contaminants thereon. A circumferential shield extends around the window to control the flow of radiation therethrough. The circumferential shield has a curved radial recess therein which imparts a rotational component of velocity to the flow of fluid passing over the surface of the window to promote cooling of the shield. The shield is further provided with an annular internal step which prevents radiation reflected from the inner wall of the shield passing through the shield.

Abstract: A gas turbine pyrometer filtering method and system uses a pyrometer to measure the high pressure turbine blade temperatures using infrared optical detection techniques. The pyrometer signal can be cluttered by positively biased noise. The turbine speed and the pyrometer electrical signal are alternately sampled by an analog to digital converter, and several revolutions of pyrometer data are stored in the local RAM. A data compression algorithm then selects single samples, at evenly spaced intervals, which results in a given number of revolutions, containing an exact number of data points of aligned data in RAM. This data is passed to a clutter rejection filter which then passes only the lowest value for each of the points in all revolutions of data. Thus, the revolutions of acquired data are reduced into a single revolution of filtered data for the current sampling. This single revolution of filtered data in then enter into a circular queue and the last element is discarded.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an operating condition of an internal-combustion engine, particularly a knocking condition of a four stroke cycle gasoline engine including a black body light radiating member formed by an opaque film of a noble metal, a sapphire rod which is arranged to be inserted into a hole formed in an engine head block, the black body light radiating member being arranged on one end of the sapphire rod such that the black body light radiating member is positioned within a combustion chamber, an optical fiber having one end optically coupled with the other end of the sapphire rod, a light detector arranged to receive light emanating from the other end of the optical fiber to produce a temperature signal which represents the heat flux within the combustion chamber, and a signal processing circuit for processing the temperature signal to detect the operating condition of the engine.

Abstract: A method for determining the maximum temperature attained by an article formed of a nickel-based superalloy includes furnishing an article made of a nickel-based superalloy having a gamma/gamma-prime structure at intermediate temperatures and a single phase structure at high temperatures and characterized by a predetermined continuous relation between equilibrium volume fraction of gamma prime phase present and temperature over a transition temperature range. The article is heated with a temperature profile including a maximum temperature within the transition temperature range, and thereafter cooled to ambient temperature to produce a distribution of coarse gamma-prime particles and fine gamma-prime particles in a gamma matrix. The fraction of coarse gamma-prime particles present in the article is measured, and compared with the predetermined continuous relation between equilibrium volume fraction of gamma-prime phase as a function of temperature, to determine a maximum temperature reached by the article.

Abstract: A high temperature thermocouple sensing apparatus is readily removable from a gas turbine engine. The thermocouple extends through aligned openings in inner and outer housings and seals both openings through use of a pair of spherical sealing elements and a spring seal bellows urging a seat into sealing engagement with one sealing element and urging the other sealing element into engagement with the inner housing.

Abstract: A sensor holder for holding a temperature sensor is disclosed, which comprises a first part having a first passage formed therethrough and a second part having a second passage formed therethrough. The first and second parts are so united as to coaxially connect the first and second passages thereby to constitute an elongate passage through which air flows in a direction from the first passage to the second passage. The temperature sensor is located at a given position in the first passage. A heat insulating air cavity is provided by the first part near the temperature sensor.

Abstract: In order to control engine operation by exhaust gas measurement, while avoiding operating conditions that exceed the safe maximum temperature limit, a gas turbine engine (10) includes a thermocouple temperature probe (28). The gas turbine engine (10) has a rotary compressor (12), a turbine wheel (14) coupled to the compressor (12) for driven movement thereof, and an annular nozzle (16) proximate the turbine wheel (14) for directing gases of combustion at the turbine wheel (14). It also includes an annular combustor (18) defining an annular combustion space (20) disposed about the turbine wheel (14) and in fluid communication with both the compressor (12) and the nozzle (16). The combustor (18) receives fuel from a source and air from the compressor (12) and it combusts fuel and air in the combustion space (20) to generate the gases of combustion.

Abstract: The output of a water temperature sensor is converted into a voltage signal by a first set of resistors. The voltage signal is then converted into a digital signal, which is supplied to a microcomputer for various controls. If the first set of resistors is so set that the voltage change provides optimum representation of temperature variations in a low-temperature range, the measuring accuracy in a high-temperature range becomes degraded. To improve the accuracy in the high-temperature range, the signal from the water temperature sensor is converted into a voltage signal through a second set of resistors--which is optimumly adjusted for the high-temperature range--by turning on a transistor. Thus, the sensor signal-voltage conversion means can be switched between the two conversion characteristics according to whether the temperature being measured is in the low- or high-temperature range, thereby providing high measuring accuracy in a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: A method of locating a limit switch (10) on a compressor (12) utilizes thermography for determining the optimum location thereof. A thermograph is produced for normal and abnormal operating modes of the compressor (12). High temperature gradients in the thermograph indicate high rates of temperature increases during compressor failure modes for selecting an optimum location for the limit switch. A bimetal switch (10) is utilized to establish a cut-out temperature for preventing operation of the compressor (12) and a cut-in temperature lower than the cut-out temperature for automatically closing to resume operation of the compressor (12) when returned to normal temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the temperature of a piston in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a thermistor to sense the temperature of the piston and generate an electrical signal representative of that temperature, a transmission unit connected to the thermistor for receiving the electrical signal and for converting the signal to an infrared beam for transmission to a point remote from the piston, and a receiver to receive the beam and convert the beam to an electrical signal corresponding to the electrical signal generated by the thermistor. The first mentioned electrical signal is converted to a rectangular wave form prior to transmission of the infrared beam.

Abstract: Apparatus including a plurality of selectively positionable and securable thermal switches selectively positionable within an engine compartment. The switches include clamping ends to secure the switches to spaced terminal blocks in association with electrical circuitry of an associated automobile. Upon completion of a circuit through a thermal switch, an audible horn in association with an optionally utilized warning lamp is actuated to effect warning of a thermal threshold within operation of an associated automobile engine.

Abstract: An exhaust gas temperature sensor is described which includes first, second and third thermocouples connected in parallel to measure the gas temperature at the first, second and third penetration depths in an exhaust passage. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an exhaust temperature sensor mounted in a turbine passage including an inner and outer wall includes a first thermocouple located between approximately 26 percent and 30 percent of the distance from the outer wall to the inner wall. A second thermocouple is located between approximately 58 percent and 62 percent of the distance between the outer and inner passage walls. A third thermocouple is located between approximately 68 percent and 72 percent of the distance between the inner and outer passage walls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a corrected temperature signal indicative of an actual temperature to be measured. In an exemplary embodiment for a gas turbine engine including a rotor having a plurality of blades for channeling a fluid, a first temperature sensor disposed downstream from the rotor blades for proving a measured temperature signal indicative of temperature of the fluid, and a speed sensor operatively joined to the rotor for providing a speed signal indicative of rotational speed of the rotor, a temperature prediction control system is provided. The control system includes means for modeling the rotor for providing a simulated first temperature signal indicative of temperature of the fluid at the first temperature sensor due to work between the fluid and the rotor blades upon rotation of the rotor at the rotor speed.

Abstract: A threaded temperature indicating plug for hot oil containing housings such as vehicle transmissions and the like that can replace the standard oil level plugs of the same and as well afford a plug that from which the temperature at which the oil may have overheated will be recorded and whether there is a definite need to change the oil in the transmission. Liquid crystal areas are provided on an indicator label that is fixed to the plug bolt shank in a liquid-tight manner by a fixed covering and for direct contact with the oil body or a splash from oil at a lowered level.

Abstract: A limit sensing device for permanently indicating when a predetermined temperature limit has been reached in a fluid conduit, includes a housing mounted on the conduit in heat transmitting relation with the fluid and an indicator movable in the housing between a retracted position and an activated, non-resettable, extended position to provide a visual indication that the predetermined temperature limit has been reached. The indicator is biased outwardly towards the activated position and a retainer in the form of a separate and discrete annulus formed of fusible material normally secures the indicator in the retracted position within the housing against the force of a biasing spring until the predetermined temperature has been reached causing the retainer to melt or fuse and thereby release the indicator to move outwardly to the extended position providing a visual indication signaling that an overtemperature condition has been reached in the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A temperature sensor in which a thermocouple is embedded in a front end of a center electrode of a spark plug, the front end of which is disposed in a combustion chamber of an internal engine, and including a digital-optical converter which is arranged to convert the potential of the thermocouple into an optical output representing the temperature of the spark plug. A connector is arranged to be removably connected to a receptacle in the digital-optical converter. The connector has a pair of contacts which are adapted to energize the digital-optical converter when the connector is electrically connected to the receptacle.

Abstract: In one form of the invention, different airflows across a temperature sensor in an aircraft are maintained during different flight conditions. A first airflow is generated during takeoff by a pressure differential existing between two surfaces of the aircraft. A second airflow is maintained during cruise by an air jet supplied by an ejector.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the health of a physical system that produces waste heat as a function of ambient temperature includes the generation of a standard profile model of the system in good health and a degraded profile model of the system in bad health, each profile being within the same family of curves. The monitored system is then sampled for sample ambient temperature and sample waste heat temperature to generate a system degradation indicator, preferably as a percentage of degradation. Alarms and displays present relevant warnings and information to the user. Waste heat affecting variables in addition to ambient temperature may be included in the standard and degraded profiles, and these variables may be monitored to produce the degradation indicator. The method is preferably microprocessor controlled.

Abstract: A control strategy for accurately monitoring the ambient air temperature surrounding a vehicle in such a way as to compensate for the heat generated by the electronic components and generated by the engine.

Abstract: An arrangement for the recognition of misfirings of internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition in which for the recognition of misfirings, the cylinders are combined into two groups and an ignition system of its own is coordinated to each group; a thermo-element is thereby arranged in the exhaust tract of a cylinder of each group. A pair of thermo-elements is series-connected in opposite polarity and the resulting thermo-voltage at the free ends is monitored by means of two threshold circuits. From the amount and sign of the resulting thermo-voltage, a defective ignition system can be determined and the corresponding cylinder group can be turned off.

Abstract: A temperature and pressure detecting type spark plug has a metallic shell having a mounting seat around an outer surface of the shell. The plug further has a center electrode which is placed into a tubular insulator.The center electrode has a hollow portion to enclose a thermocouple to detect a temperature of the front end of the center electrode.An annular pressure sensor is placed at the mounting seat of the metallic shell to detect a pressure within a combustion chamber in a cylinder head. The pressure sensor is arranged to be sandwiched between the mounting seat and the cylinder head when the spark plug is secured to the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive sensor for the measurement, under dynamic conditions, of at least one characteristic of a turbo-machine, this sensor comprising a conductive surface intended to be fixed to the casing near a succession of rotating blades to form the first plate of a capacitor, the second plate of which consists, in succession, of each one of the ends of the rotating blades when these ends pass in proximity to this conductive surface. This sensor comprises an electrical interconnection means to connect this conductive surface to first electrical detection means for measuring the variations of the capacitance of the capacitor thus formed. According to the invention, this electrical interconnection means also constitutes a means for connecting this conductive surface to second electrical detection means for measuring the temperature of the casing in the region of fixing of the said conductive surface.

Abstract: A technique for indirectly determining the temperature of a fluid includes directing at least a portion of the fluid around the outside of a thermally conductive body so as to produce a substantially uniform temperature therein. The fluid temperature is then determined by measuring the resulting temperature within the body. In one embodiment, the fluid is directed around the body by enclosing the body in a shell which has an inlet opening, an outlet opening, and at least one passageway connecting the inlet opening to the outlet opening. In an embodiment which is particularly useful for gas turbine applications, the body is located inside of the outer casing of the turbine and is connected to a guide tube which extends through the outer casing in such a manner that the means employed for measuring the temperature within the body is insertable into and removable from the body through the guide tube.

Abstract: The thermal performance of cooling circuits for cooled components, such as turbine blades used in gas turbine engines, may be determined by applying a known amount of heat flux to a predetermined surface of the component, directing a cooling fluid flow having predetermined characteristics through the cooling circuit of the component, and measuring a temperature distribution on a preselected surface of the component.The thermal performance of heating circuits for heated components, such as those involved in clearance control in a gas turbine engine, or other components in which a controlled thermal contraction or expansion is desired, may be determined by applying a known amount of heat flux to a predetermined surface of the component, applying a cooling fluid flow having predetermined characteristics to the heating circuits, and measuring a temperature distribution on a preselected surface of the component.

Abstract: A luminosity and temperature detector for an internal combustion engine and method for measuring luminosity including a light probe and photodiode that receives the light transmitted from the light probe. The photodiode is designed, constructed and biased to operate within the zero temperature coefficient portion of its range for the wavelengths being measured. In addition, the dark current is measured when there is no luminosity due to combustion and this is subtracted from the other readings to obtain temperature compensation. Furthermore, the dark current measurement will indicate the temperature of the photodiode.

Abstract: The response time of a thermocouple is improved by offsetting the outlet aspiration opening or openings in the thermocouple protective housing from the gas flow axis and the inlet opening. The outlet aspiration opening is located substantially at the gas separation point which is a point of minimum gas pressure. The degree of offset is thus chosen to maximize the pressure differential, .DELTA.P, between the inlet and the outlet openings. This increases the gas flow rate through the housing and past the thermocouple junction thereby substantially improving the thermocouple response time.