An at-sea evaluation of an infrared/resistance temperature device for air/sea-surface temperature measurements
Abstract
Air and sea-surface temperatures were measured and recorded by the USS Kitty Hawk's meteorological personnel during a 6-month deployment period. Using infrared/resistance temperature devices (IR/RTD) and hand-held psychrometers, air and sea-surface temperature data were compiled. In comparing these data with data collected earlier by the USS Ranger, it became apparent that the shipboard use of the IR/RTD to measure sea-surface and air temperatures was not warranted. The IR/RTD suffered mechanical and electrical failures during both the USS Kitty Hawk and USSR Ranger measurement periods. Since repair and recalibration must be done at the manufacturer's facility, the device is inappropriate for shipboard use. In addition, the design of the battery-recharging unit does not conform to shipboard requirements for electrical grounding. Borne out by both the comments of the USS Kitty Hawk oceanographer and the large number of highly suspicious readings, additional training for observers is justified. Thus, training on the proper use and care of temperature-measuring devices could be made part of the Aerographer's Mate course curriculum and shipboard performance factors.
- Publication:
-
Final Technical Report
- Pub Date:
- March 1994
- Bibcode:
- 1994ncco.reptR....P
- Keywords:
-
- Infrared Instruments;
- Marine Meteorology;
- Sea Surface Temperature;
- Temperature Measurement;
- Electrical Faults;
- Electrical Grounding;
- Electromagnetic Wave Transmission;
- Failure Analysis;
- Instrumentation and Photography