Development of a strain/temperature gauge and attachment system for use on carbon composites at elevated temperature
The difficulties encountered when instrumenting solid rocket motors for acquiring strain data are reviewed, emphasizing the strong temperature dependence due to apparent strain effects. The development of a strain/temperature gage to overcome some of these problems is discussed. This gage is designed to produce low apparent strain when attached to a carbon-carbon substrate. Characterization and performance data for gages attached with ceramic cement to carbon-carbon tensile coupons are presented, and the effect of a flame-sprayed installation process is discussed.