Eas 327 Lab 2, The Thermocouple
Task: To construct a thermocouple; connect it to a data logger; program the datalogger; tabulate the thermocouple output voltage versus temperature difference between a (controlled-temperature) water bath and an ice bath (mix of ice and water, at temperature Tref = 0oC).
Steps:
- strip insulation from thermocouple wire, snip one lead, twist wires and solder to form a thermocouple
- program the CSI logger to measure a single-ended voltage (+/- 5 millivolt FSR) at sampling frequency 10Hz, and average for 1 minute. Short circuit the input and check the (1 minute average) logger reading.
- convey the thermocouple signal to the datalogger
- place one junction in the controlled-temperature bath, the other in the ice bath. Measure the voltage output (1 minute averages) versus temperature difference. Assume the ice bath temperature is the freezing point, and that water bath temperature Tb is as given by the mercury-in-glass thermometer.
Report:
Explain procedure, with reference to circuit schematics. Interpret your results using tables and graphs. Compare your result for the sensitivity of the thermocouple with the tabulated value ("The Temperature Handbook," by Omega Engineering Inc.) for this type of thermocouple.
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Last Modified: 3 Feb, 2005