Glass-Ceramic Thermal Paint for Quantitative Turbine Temperature Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal paints used in gas turbines suffer from poor adhesion, limited temperature range, low resolution, and inability to provide quantitative temperature data, making them unsuitable for accurate surface temperature mapping in extreme engine environments.
Innovation Solution
Development of a thermal paint system based on glass-ceramic paints that undergo optical transitions, captured by UV:VIS spectrometry, to recover thermal history and generate high-resolution digital temperature maps with strong adhesion to nickel-based superalloys and SiC-SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional thermal paints are used for temperature indication, then qualitative color transitions are observed, but quantitative temperature data and high resolution are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual color assessment with objective UV:VIS spectroscopy measurement. The spectrometer quantifies optical transitions by measuring reflectance spectra, converting qualitative color changes into precise quantitative temperature data through spectral analysis and calibration curves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement parameter from visual color perception to spectral reflectance characteristics. By analyzing specific spectral features (absorption bands, reflectance minima) across the UV:VIS range, the system achieves high-resolution temperature measurement with quantitative precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermal paints are applied to engine components, then temperature mapping capability is provided, but poor adhesion under extreme conditions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite paint formulations combining glass-ceramic particles with organic binders specifically designed for high-temperature stability. The glass-ceramic matrix provides thermal stability and adhesion to nickel-based superalloys and SiC-SiC CMCs, while the binder system ensures strong bonding under extreme thermal and mechanical conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent tailors paint composition and formulation to match specific substrate requirements. Different glass-ceramic compositions and binder systems are selected for different substrates (nickel superalloys vs. SiC-SiC CMCs) to optimize adhesion and thermal stability for each application environment.
3Temperature
If conventional thermal paints are used, then limited temperature range is achieved, but accurate temperature mapping across wide ranges is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide temperature measurement range into multiple overlapping ranges, each covered by a specific glass-ceramic paint formulation with a defined transition range. By selecting appropriate paints for different temperature zones, the system achieves accurate mapping across the full engine operating temperature spectrum.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides accurate, high-resolution temperature mapping with quantitative data, overcoming limitations of traditional thermal paints by enabling digital surface temperature mapping and recovering full thermal history.
Implementation Method 1
a library of glass-ceramic paints that undergo an optical transition that when captured by a UV:VIS spectrometer can recover temperature information
Implementation Method 2
captured by a UV:VIS spectrometer can recover temperature information
Data Source
AI summary
Temperature measurements are critical in gas turbine engine design but difficult to obtain due to the extreme environment. Temperature indicating paints (thermal paints) have been used for decades to map maximum temperature fields on superalloy components but have numerous weaknesses. Disclosed herein are novel glass ceramic thermal paints that undergo viscous flow sintering to indicate temperatures up to 1000° C., with high resolution (±5° C.), by an optical transition. Disclosed paint formulations are designed to adhere to Nickel-based superalloys or SiC—SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMC) by closely matching coefficients of thermal expansion and may function for times above 60 hours. By utilizing automation and a UV:VIS spectrometer, quantitative temperature maps can be generated for easy comparison to theoretical models. A transient sintering energy model is disclosed to recover full thermal history information.