Radiation pyrometry in gas turbine research and development

Applications of radiation pyrometers to rotating component and turbine blade test rigs, engine testing, and thermography are outlined. They monitor compressor and turbine disk temperatures in high temperature tests. In low pressure testing of turbine blades, the pyrometers ensure that components are not overheated, by controling the rig cycle. These pyrometers can be used in tests os engine control transducers since pyrometer output can be correlated with gas stream temperature and used to indicate when the engine is at its maximum operating temperature. In thermography, pyrometer systems are used to visualize temperature distributions without the need for absolute temperature measurements.