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Nanocomposite Strain Gauges Having Small TCRsCeramic strain gauges in which the strain-sensitive electrically conductive strips made from nanocomposites of noble metal and indium tin oxide (ITO) are being developed for use in gas turbine engines and other power-generation systems in which gas temperatures can exceed 1,500 F (about 816 C). In general, strain gauges exhibit spurious thermally induced components of response denoted apparent strain. When temperature varies, a strain-gauge material that has a nonzero temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) exhibits an undesired change in electrical resistance that can be mistaken for the change in resistance caused by a change in strain. It would be desirable to formulate straingauge materials having TCRs as small as possible so as to minimize apparent strain. Most metals exhibit positive TCRs, while most semiconductors, including ITO, exhibit negative TCRs. The present development is based on the idea of using the negative TCR of ITO to counter the positive TCRs of noble metals and of obtaining the benefit of the ability of both ITO and noble metals to endure high temperatures. The noble metal used in this development thus far has been platinum. Combinatorial libraries of many ceramic strain gauges containing nanocomposites of various proportions of ITO and platinum were fabricated by reactive co-sputtering from ITO and platinum targets onto alumina- and zirconia-based substrates mounted at various positions between the targets.
Document ID
20090011203
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Other - NASA Tech Brief
External Source(s)
http://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/5005
Authors
Gregory, Otto (Rhode Island Univ. RI, United States)
Chen, Ximing (Rhode Island Univ. RI, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 2009
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Tech Briefs, March 2009
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
LEW-18253-1
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle20090011183Collected WorksNASA Tech Briefs, March 2009
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