Performance evaluation of coaxial thermocouple against platinum thin film gauge for heat flux measurement in shock tunnel

Data on surface heat flux is critical in all hypersonic missions due to the extent of risk and the penalty associated, when it is not properly accounted for. In the present study an E-type coaxial thermocouple has been designed, fabricated, validated and benchmarked against a more established platinum thin film sensor. The study proves that coaxial thermocouples used in impulse facilities do not require cold junction compensation. The comprehensive study conducted in IIT Bombay Shock Tunnel (IITB-ST) has confirmed the performance, ruggedness and reliability of the coaxial thermocouple, ascertaining it to be an effective, impulse, heat flux sensor.