The Measurement of Temperature

This course covers the principles, methods, and techniques of temperature measurement in fluid mechanics. It starts with the basics of temperature measurement using an ideal gas thermometer and progresses to more complex methods like the use of bimetallic strips, liquid-in-glass thermometers, and electrical effects. For instance, the course delves into the construction and calibration of Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs), thermocouples, and thermistors, explaining how they exploit changes in resistance with temperature to measure temperature. It also explores the concept of transient response in thermal systems, the challenges of measuring temperature in high-speed flows, and the need for thermocouple compensation. The course uses practical examples, such as the design of a thermometer to measure fluctuating temperatures instantaneously, to illustrate these concepts.