A Through-Hole Lead Connection Method for Thin-Film Thermocouples on Turbine Blades

Sensors (Basel). 2019 Mar 7;19(5):1155. doi: 10.3390/s19051155.

Abstract

To solve the current problems with thin-film thermocouple signals on turbine blades in ultra-high temperature environments, this study explores the use of a through-hole lead connection technology for high-temperature resistant nickel alloys. The technique includes through-hole processing, insulation layer preparation, and filling and fixing of a high-temperature resistant conductive paste. The through-hole lead connection preparation process was optimized by investigating the influence of the inner diameter of the through-hole, solder volume, and temperature treatment on the contact strength and surface roughness of the thin-film for contact resistance. Finally, the technology was combined with a thin-film thermocouple to perform multiple thermal cycling experiments on the surface of the turbine blade at a temperature of 1000 °C. The results show that the through-hole lead connection technology can achieve a stable output of the thin-film thermocouple signal on the turbine blade.

Keywords: thermocouple; thin film; through-hole lead connection; wire lead.