Research Projects -- Microwire Temperature Sensor (MTS)



The Future of In-Situ Temperature Sensors
Composites curing and repair has long been plagued by one thing in particular: lack of knowledge of temperature in the cure.  Thermocouples are only effective at the outermost edge of the cure.  Additionally, thermocouple leads through the bag introduce a potential site of vacuum leakage.






Now, Thermal Solutions Inc. (TSI) has developed the next generation of temperature sensors for CFRP curing: the Microwire Temperature Sensor (MTS) system.  The MTS system is a revolution in in-situ measurements.  It allows for wireless monitoring of temperature at the critical interior, or at any location, of a composite cure or repair. 

The MTS system consists of an antenna with transmit and receive capabilities, a microwire temperature sensor, and a reader box which collects the antenna readings.  Each component fills an important role in delivering reliable, wireless temperature measurements from any location in the composite cure.

Antenna

Each MTS system is equipped with an antenna composed of transmit and recieve coils.  The transmit coil emits a magnetic field which causes a flux to occur in the sensor.  As the field is removed, the sensor reverts back its original state.

The receive coil on the antenna detects the change in the magnetic state of the sensor, both when subjected to a field and when the field is removed.  The magnitude of the magnetic moment in the sensor is directly correlated to the temperature, and so a temperature measurement can be obtained using the data supplied by the antenna.

Microwire Temperature Sensor (MTS)

A unique blend of the metals give each wire a precise curie temperature.  The current MTS utilizes a twin wire sensor; each wire performs a unique task. 

The first of these wires is termed the "temperature sensing wire."  This wire is very sensitive magnetic changes, and quickly shifts its moment in the presence of a magnetic field.

The second wire is termed the "reference wire."  This wire is more resistant to magnetic changes and is delayed in shifting its moment in the presence of a magnetic field.

Reader

The MTS reader