Heat Flux Measurements

Abstract

This paper discusses a new automated, computer controlled heat flux measurement facility. Continuous transient and steady-state surface heat flux values varying from about 0.3 to 6 MW/m2 over a temperature range of 100 to 1200 K can be obtained in the facility. An application of this facility is the development of heat flux gauges for continuous fast transient surface heat flux measurement on turbine blades operating in space shuttle main engine turbopumps. The facility is also useful for durability testing at fast temperature transients.