Temperature measurement with irradiated materials

The principle of operation of a crystalline temperature indicator for measuring the maximum temperature is described and examples of its application are given. The operation of the device is based on the expansion of the crystal lattice of diamond or silicon carbide under irradiation in a reactor and a decrease of this expansion depending on the duration and temperature of heating. The results obtained during flights of shuttle models Bor-4 and −5 are presented as examples of practical applications. In the tests, the temperature of the heat-shielding coatings intended for installation on the Buran shuttle was tested. Another example of an application is thermometry of the Siemens (Germany) GTX-800 power-generation turbine. In this case, the temperature of the working and guiding blades of different steps of the motor as well as the gas in direct proximity to the blades was measured. The temperature in the space behind a VVER-1000 vessel was measured with the sensor.