GOALI: Development of temperature sensing doped particles for plasma deposition diagnostics

University Of Connecticut, Storrs CT

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT National Science Foundation Proposal Number: CTS-0553623 Principal Investigator: Renfro, Michael W. Affiliation: University of Connecticut Proposal Title: GOALI: Development of temperature sensing doped particles for plasma deposition diagnostics Plasma spray is a widely used technology for creating coatings by injecting material into a plasma prior to its striking a substrate. The temperature history of the injected material is critical in determining coating quality. However, the very high temperatures of the plasma process complicate local measurements. This research project will develop a laser fluorescence based temperature measurement that can be applied in these harsh environments and provide accurate and local instantaneous information about temperatures and heat transfer to the material particles. It is believed to be the first such technique available for real time temperature measurements in these environments. Particles that are doped with a temperature sensitive material will be produced in a novel spray facility at the University of Connecticut as well as partner laboratories at Oak Ridge National Laboratories and NASA. Once these particles and diagnostics have been developed, the temperature sensitive particles produced in this project will be injected into an operating plasma spray for local particle temperature measurements. Coatings are used to protect against these high temperatures, but measurement of actual conditions in operating engines is critical to improving design of components and coatings. Measurements of high temperature gas flows in gas turbine engine parts will be performed using facilities at our industrial collaborator Siemens Westinghouse Power. Their optically accessible engines permit unique opportunities to test the high temperature materials developed for applications to better temperature management. Siemens is also participating in the proposed work by hosting graduate students as interns to facilitate technology exchange. Intellectual Merit: The measurement of temperature of injected materials in the plasma spray process is a significant source of uncertainty in the quality of coatings produced. The proposed effort will enable local, high-accuracy measurements that can be used for improved plasma process design. The project takes advantage of previous development of existing fluorescence themographic sensors but uses unique facilities and instrumentation at the University of Connecticut to extend the measurement to much higher temperatures. The investigators bring significant experience in plasma spray coating technology and laser diagnostics in harsh environments to this multi-disciplinary project. This effort also impacts high temperature gas flows in industrial engines, and our partner Siemens Westinghouse brings considerable experience in non-destructive testing and thermographic measurements to the project. Broader Impacts: The project will support two graduate students who will have access to facilities and courses in both the Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science departments. The requested equipment will outfit our existing spray facilities with optical diagnostics capabilities that can be used for many measurement techniques. In addition to work at the university, the graduate students will work closely in conjunction with collaborators at Oak Ridge National Laboratories and NASA including research visits to fully characterize the new materials generated during the project. Finally, the students will have summer internship opportunities at Siemens Westinghouse Power to facilitate testing of the developed materials in their optically accessible engines.