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Logan Compton
University of Missouri
Advisor: Dr. Frank Feng
Abstract
In many temperature applications the knowledge of heat flux is very important in optimizing heat related systems. Unfortunately the sensors that measure heat flux can be quite expensive which limits applications of the sensors. The focus of this research is to determine if it is convenient to manufacture an inexpensive type of heat flux sensor by using two Vishay strain gage type temperature detecting sensors. Using a calibration process in a conduction type facility the strain gage type heat flux sensor was compared against a commercially available heat flux sensor to determine the strain gage's characteristics. Currently this research has concluded that the strain gage type temperature detecting sensors are a convenient and economically way to measure heat flux. The sensitivity of the sensor for low temperature applications has been determined to be 3.2 ± 0.08 µV/(W/m2)
Jim Caffey started his career with NASA 18 years ago as a high school intern in the NASA Space Grant program. Today he is a NASA Graduate Fellow at Missouri State University where he is studying Astronomy and Geology. He has been teaching at the college level for 11 years and has taught at 4 different universities, and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Physics, Astronomy, and Space Science at Drury University in Springfield. He plans to pursue a PhD in Astronomy or Astronomy Education. He currently serves NASA as an Ambassador to the Jet Propulsion Lab doing public outreach.
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