Accurate Life Prediction for High temperature Engine Thermocouples (ALPHET)

The turbine of a jet engine provides one of the most challenging environments in engineering today, where

extreme temperatures are combined with a corrosive atmosphere. These temperatures are measured with

thermocouples that are a critical part of gas turbine engines used in aircraft and in power generation. They

ensure operation at the most efficient temperature and protect the structure from excessive heat. This project

applies novel technology developed in Cambridge University to determine the useful life of the structural

components of the turbine. This, combined with Weston Aerospace’s expertise and pedigree in thermocouple

design and condition information from service run parts, provided with the assistance of Rolls-Royce, will

improve the accuracy of prediction of the effective life of thermocouples. Methods to test existing and new

thermocouple materials will subsequently be developed, leading to more reliable monitoring of temperature,

the use of the right material in each specific engine application and potentially raising the maximum

temperatures that can be reliably measured. This will raise efficiency and extend economic life.