Copper-constantan Thermocouples Research Articles

Local heat transfer coefficients of R32 and R410A boiling inside a brazed plate heat exchanger (BPHE)

This paper presents the local heat transfer coefficients of R32 and R410A boiling inside a Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger. A new and innovative test section, with one channel on the refrigerant-side and two channels on the water-side, was specifically designed and manufactured for measuring the local heat transfer coefficient in refrigerant two-phase heat transfer in BPHE. The test section includes two thick corrugated plates instrumented with 36 copper-constantan thermocouples for measuring the plate surface temperature, the heat flux and the heat transfer coefficient in 9 different positions along the refrigerant channel. The experimental tests were carried out at a saturation temperature around 10 °C, in the refrigerant mass velocity range 9.7–39.3 kg m−2s−1 with an inlet vapour quality ranging from 0.28 to 0.38 and an outlet vapour quality around 1.00. R32 and R410A exhibit boiling heat transfer coefficients very similar both in trend and magnitude. Nucleate boiling seems to be the governing heat transfer regime both in R410A and R32 tests. Consolidated correlations for boiling inside BPHE show a fair agreement with all the experimental data.

Local heat transfer coefficients of R32 and R410a condensation inside a brazed plate heat exchanger (BPHE)

This paper presents the local heat transfer coefficients of R32 and R410A complete condensation inside a Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger (BPHE). A new test section, with one channel on the refrigerant-side and two channels on the water-side, was specifically designed and manufactured for measuring the local heat transfer coefficient in refrigerant two-phase heat transfer in BPHE. The test section includes two thick corrugated plates instrumented with 36 copper-constantan thermocouples for measuring the plate surface temperature, the heat flux and the heat transfer coefficient in 9 different positions along the refrigerant channel. The experimental tests were carried out at a saturation temperature around 30°C, in the refrigerant mass velocity range 10 − 39 kg m−2s−1 with an inlet vapour quality around 1.00 and an outlet vapour quality ranging from 0.04 to 0.27. A transition point between gravity controlled and forced convection condensation was found for a refrigerant mass velocity around 20 kg m−2s−1. The experimental data was compared against theoretical models: Nusselt (1916) analysis for vertical surface predicts very well the data in gravity controlled condensation, while Longo et al. (2015) model shows a fair agreement with the forced convection condensation data.

Конвекция магнитной жидкости в замкнутом гидродинамическом контуре

Thermal convection of ferrofluid in a closed side-heated hydrodynamic loop is investigated experimentally when a nonuniform magnetic field is applied to the tube section near the electric heater. The nonuniform magnetic field with a strength of up to 24 kA/m is created by a permanent magnet of the “neodymium-iron-boron” type, equipped with ferrite pole pieces. For temperature measurements, miniature copper-constantan thermocouples are used. The temperature distribution along the circuit and temperature differences on both sides of the heater is measured. The tubes of the loop are cooled by a stream of thermostatic air which ensures a constant heat transfer coefficient at the outer surface of the tubes and an exponential temperature distribution along the circuit. The exponent determined in the experiments is used to provide information about the integral axial heat flux (Nusselt number). The experiments were performed with undecane in the ordinary gravitational convection regime and with medium concentrated magnetic fluid in the combined (gravitational and thermomagnetic) convection regime in the range of Rayleigh numbers 103–104. The estimation of the characteristic magnetic Rayleigh numbers was carried out taking into account the demagnetizing fields. For all modes, the dependence of the Nusselt number normalized to the heat transfer coefficient on the thermal Rayleigh number is plotted. It is shown that thermomagnetic convection increases the intensity of heat exchange by 4–6 times.

Cold tolerance of the drosophila pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae

Trichopria drosophilae (Perkins) (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) is a pupal parasitoid of drosophila flies recorded from several parts of the world. It is currently considered for augmentative biological programs to control the severe agricultural pest Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Since D. suzukii has invaded regions that experience zero and sub-zero winter temperatures, cold tolerance of the parasitoid is an important aspect to consider. We characterized low temperature tolerance and overwintering capacity of a colony of T. drosophilae collected in Northern Switzerland. We used copper-constantan thermocouples to determine the supercooling point and pre-freeze mortality. Moreover, we subjected honey-fed and unfed adult T. drosophilae as well as developing stages within their drosophila host to short- and long-term acclimation conditions and assessed the duration of their survival at low temperatures. Finally, we exposed adult and sub-adult stages to winter conditions in a semi-field experiment and evaluated their survival. We found that T. drosophilae is chill susceptible like D. suzukii, but adults froze and survived at colder temperatures than those reported for D. suzukii. Adult parasitoids could tolerate several days of exposure to sub-zero temperatures and could reproduce afterwards, whereas sub-adult stages could survive longer periods under these conditions. The provision of honey and water enhanced the survival of adults and long-term acclimation led to longer survival in all stages. The semi-field experiment supported the results of the laboratory tests. Based on these results we suggest that in Central Europe, T. drosophilae survives winters mainly in developing stages but adults are likely able to tolerate short periods of low spring temperatures.

THE DEPENDENCE OF THE COMPRESSION MODULUS OF ICE-SIX AND THE COEFFICIENT OF VOLUME EXPANSION ON PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE

This pioneering study investigated the partial derivatives of the dependence of the compression modulus of ice-six on pressure and temperature, and the coefficient of volume expansion on the temperature at high pressure and low temperature. Ice six is documented on the phase diagram between the pressures 600 and 2000 MPa and between the temperatures 110 and 330 K. The pressure and temperature dependence of the all-round compression module was practically implemented in a multilayer cylinder-piston vessel. The change in the relative volume of the sample was measured using a transducer which converts linear translational motion into electrical pulses. The pressure of the sample was measured by measuring the electrical resistance of tin and gallium conductors and phase transition points of polymorphic ice modifications. The temperature of this ice-six modification was determined by a graduated copperconstantan thermocouple. Moreover, in this paper, the Debye characteristic temperatures of ice-six and the Gruneisen constant are estimated.

Temperature Measurement of the Shaped-Charge Jet from a Conical Liner

To measure the temperature of shaped-charge jets, we fabricated three-layer copper–copper–Constantan liners consisting of a solid copper conical shell with a cone angle of 45° and a wall 1.5 mm thick and a shell pressed into it and rolled from a 1.0 mm thick copper sheet clad on the inside with a Constantan layer 0.5 mm thick by explosive welding. Then, the Constantan layer was partially removed so that only the upper third of the inner surface of the shells remained lined with Constantan. The thickness of the Constantan layer was chosen such that the head of the shaped-charge jet consisted only of Constantan, and the tail of copper, as determined from a thin section of the recovered slug. As a result, a copper–Constantan thermocouple was formed. At the moment of impact of the bimetallic jet on a target, the thermo-EMF signal was measured with an oscilloscope. The obtained thermo-EMF value corresponds to a temperature of 800 ± 80.

Study of Radiation-Chemical Structuring of Compositions Based on Epoxy Oligomers

The processes of radiation-chemical structuring of modified epoxy acrylic compositions were studied depending on the nature of epoxy oligomers and modifiers. ED-20 and ED-22 grades epoxy oligomers were chosen as epoxidian oligomers; 3,4-epoxyhexahydrobenzal-3,4-epoxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexane (UP-612 grade), 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3,3-epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate (UP-632 grade) were chosen as cycloaliphatic oligomers; diethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (DEG) was chosen as aliphatic oligomer. To modify the epoxy oligomers, unsaturated acrylic monomers, such as acrylic acid and methyl acrylic acid ester; aromatic and aliphatic oligoester acrylates, such as α,ω-methacryl(bis-diethylene glycol)phthalate (MDP-1 grade), α,ω-methacryldi(diethyleneglycolphthalate) (MDP-2 grade), α,ω-methacryl(bis-triethyleneglycol)phthalate (MGP-9 grade) and atri-(oxyethylene)-α,ω-dimethacrylate (TGM-3 grade); condensation product of linseed oil dimerized fatty acids and polyethylenepolyamine, such as oligoamide L-20 grade; condensation product of ricinoleic acid, castor oil and maleic anhydride, such as unsaturated polyester PE-220, were used. The thermophysical and relaxation properties of cross-linked polymers, obtained under exposure to γ-radiation of Co60 and electrons accelerated by the absorbed radiation dose of 50–150 kGy at the beam current of 2‑4 mA and electron energy of 240-300 keV, were studied. The distance from the exhaust window of the accelerator to the irradiated surface of the samples was 63-80 mm. The thermophysical properties of the cured polymers were evaluated using thermomechanical studies on a thermomechanograph with the temperature rise of 1о/min and the pressure of 0.54 MPa in the temperature range of 293‑673 K, as well as the differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyzes on a system derivatograph by L. Paulik, R. Paulik, L. Erdei in the temperature range of 293–973 K with the rise rate of 7о/min. The relaxation properties and molecular mobility of the cross-linked polymers were studied by the dielectric method. The dielectric loss tangent was determined in the temperature range of 143‑393K at the frequency of 1 kHz using a digital automatic bridge of alternating current R-589. The test sample temperature was measured using a potentiometer on a copper-constantan thermocouple, which was placed in the measuring cell along with the test sample. The samples were cooled by placing the cell in a vessel with liquid nitrogen. As a result of the studies, the influence of the chemical nature of epoxy oligomers and unsaturated modifiers on the processes of structure formation and molecular mobility of polymers, obtained under conditions of radiation-chemical curing, was established. It was determined, that when modifying epoxy oligomers with acrylic acid, methyl acrylic acid ester, oligoester acrylates of MGP-9 ((α,ω-methacryl(bis-triethyleneglycol)phthalate)) or TGM-3 ((tri-(oxyethyleneglicol)-α,ω-dimethacrylate)) grades, the structuring of compositions, based on the DEG-1 aliphatic epoxy oligomer and UP-612 cycloaliphatic oligomer, was more efficient than the compositions based on unsaturated ETO oligomers grade such as 2-ethylhexylepoxytallate oligomer and epoxidian oligomers of ED-20 and ED-22 grades. It was established, that the modifier oligoamide of L-20 grade, containing primary and secondary amino groups, increased the radiation sensitivity of the compositions, based on epoxidian and cycloaliphatic oligomers, and reduced the inhibitory effect of atmospheric oxygen. The optimal composition and the main technological parameters were determined, what allowed to obtain materials with high physical and mechanical properties and adhesive strength to various metals. The application of the developed materials under industrial conditions will make it possible to organize a continuous high-speed radiation-chemical process for producing polymer coatings on metals, providing improved working conditions, lower energy consumption, as compared to the thermochemical process of the coatings production, and will increase the corrosion resistance of metals.

Experimental setup for anisotropic thermoelectric transport measurements using MPMS

At reduced dimensions the electrical transport properties of materials often depend on the measurement direction. Here we report on a measurement setup designed on the manual insertion utility probe (MIUP) of the Quantum Design’s magnetic property measurement system (MPMS) to measure anisotropic transport properties in the temperature range of 10–400 K and magnetic fields up to 5 Tesla. The setup is capable of measuring the Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity both along and perpendicular to the applied magnetic field. The Seebeck measurement is based on the differential measurement technique; the four-probe electrical resistivity measurement can easily be performed on the opposite side of the setup. The setup consists of a small copper cube (5 × 5 × 5 mm3) fitted with diagonally cut electrically insulated square strips. The strips are fitted with copper-constantan thermocouple in differential arrangement for the temperature-gradient (ΔT) measurement and symmetrically arranged surface mount (SM) resistors to create the ΔT across the sample. The cube can be rotated to alter the direction of the applied magnetic field on the sample. We demonstrate the directional dependence of the measured transport properties for a normal platinum wire and for single crystal flakes of CuCr2Se4.

Spatial variation in diurnal courses of stem temperature of Betula platyphylla and Fraxinus mandshurica and its influencing factors

Plant temperature is an important parameter for estimating energy balance and vegetation respiration of forest ecosystem. To examine spatial variation in diurnal courses of stem temperatures (Ts) and its influencing factors, we measured the Ts with copper constantan thermocouples at different depths, heights and azimuths within the stems of two broadleaved tree species with contrasting bark and wood properties, Betula platyphylla and Fraxinus mandshurica. The results showed that the monthly mean diurnal courses of the Ts largely followed that of air temperature with a 'sinusoi dal' pattern, but the Ts lagged behind the air temperature by 0 h at the stem surface to 4 h at 6 cm depth. The daily maximal values and ranges of the diurnal course of Ts decreased gradually with increasing measuring depth across the stem and decreasing measuring height along the stem. The circumferential variation in Ts was marginal, with slightly higher daily maximal values in the south and west directions during the daytime of the dormant season. Differences in thermal properties (i.e. , specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity) of both bark and wood tissue between the two species contributed to the inter specific variations in the radial variation in Ts through influencing the heat exchange between the stem surface and ambient air as well as heat diffusion within the stem. The higher reflectance of the bark of B. platyphylla decreased the influence of solar radiation on Ts. The stepwise regression showed that the diurnal courses of Ts could be well predicted by the environmental factors (R2 > 0.85) with an order of influence ranking as air temperature > water vapor pressure > net radiation > wind speed. It is necessary to take the radial, vertical and inter specific varia-tions in Ts into account when estimating biomass heat storage and stem CO2 efflux.

Experimental study of the structure of vapor phase during boiling of R134a on heat exchange surfaces of heat pump

The heat supply by means of heat pumps is considered now as a rational method of local heating which can lead to economy of primary fuel. At use of low-potential heat, for example, the heat of a ground (5 … 18 °C) or ground waters (8 … 10°C) only small depressing of temperature of these sources (on 3 … 5°C) is possible that demands application of heat exchangers with intensified heatmass transfer surfaces. In thermal laboratory of TOT department the 200 W experimental installation has been developed for research of process of boiling of freon R134a. The principle of action of the installation consists in realisation of reverse thermodynamic cycle and consecutive natural measurement of characteristics of elements of surfaces of heat exchangers of real installations at boiling points of freon from-10°C to +10°C and condensing temperatures from 15°C to 50 °C. The evaporator casing has optical windows for control of process of boiling of freon on ribbed on technology of distorting cut tubes. Temperature measurement in characteristic points of a cycle is provided by copper-constantan thermocouples which by means of ADT are connected to the computer that allows treat results of measurements in a real time mode. The structure of a two-phase flow investigated by means of the optical procedure based on laser technique.

Вязкость магнитных жидкостей при различных концентрациях коллоидных частиц и температурах

In the paper we present experimental results concerning measurements of dynamic viscosity of magnetic colloidal fluids. Magnetic colloidal fluids consist of their carrier fluids and solid magnetite particles with 9-10 nm in size. In the experiment we use two types of magnetic fluids – a kerosene-based magnetic fluid (MF k ) and an undecane-based magnetic fluid (MF u ). They differ by a manufacturer and date of manufacture. Viscosity measurements were carried out by a capillary viscometer equipped with the sensors specially designed for this experiment. Sensors were made on the basis of copper-constantan thermocouples combined with a microvoltmeter and a clock. They allowed measuring the time needed for a control volume of magnetic fluid flows through a capillary of the viscometer. In the experiment we obtained an array of data on viscosity of the fluids MF k and MF u with magnetite particle volume fractions of 0, 6, 10, 13, 16 % at temperatures of 20, 30, 40, 50 °C. Plots of dynamic viscosity versus temperature were built. Viscosities of the magnetic fluids MF k and MF u were compared. It was found that a ratio of viscosity coefficients for these fluids does not depend on temperature in the temperature range considered. Viscosity coefficients of the fluids MF k and MF u also increase in a similar way as particle volume fractions goes up to 10%. If a particle volume fraction is more than 10%, viscosity of the fluid MF k significantly exceeds viscosity of the fluid MF u .

Performance study of a laboratory model shallow solar pond with and without single transparent glass cover for solar thermal energy conversion applications

The thermal performance of a shallow solar pond with and without the single transparent glass cover has been investigated experimentally. This experiment has been performed during the summer season of 2014 under the operational condition for five different storage volumes of water upto a maximum of 10liter. The pond performance is investigated in terms of the rate of energy collected and its collection efficiency. A Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) black sheet liner of 200μm thickness was laid on all the interior sides of the pond for solar energy absorption. A clear transparent PVC plastic sheet of 150μm thickness was laid over the water surface as evaporation suppressing membrane. Calibrated Copper constantan thermocouples were used to measure the temperatures of the system. A highest temperature of 81.5°C has been achieved for the stored volume of 2liter of water, when the pond was used with a single transparent glass cover of 5mm thickness. When the shallow solar pond was used without the transparent glass cover the system attained a maximum temperature of 62°C for the same stored volume of 2liter. A comparison between the two conditions of with and without the transparent glass cover, on the thermal performance of the SSP has been reported. A shallow solar pond system of the present type could be used us a source of warm water, of desired temperature, below 10°C which are required for the domestic and industrial utilities. The global warming is increased day by day; inorder to reduce global warming a typical method of small scale shallow solar pond has been used to absorb the radiation from the sun to convert it to useful heat energy by the source of water. The SSP is an eco friendly way to generate energy without polluting our environment and in an environment safety manner. Based on environmental safety this study has experimentally investigated the thermal performance of the shallow solar pond.

Experimental Aspects of Heat Transfer Enhancement over Various Flow Surfaces

The heat transfer enhancement was experimentally investigated over the flat, concave, convex, and ribbed surfaces in a wind tunnel with the initial streamwise distance Reynolds number range of 4.0 × 105–4.5 × 106 encompassing laminar, transitional, and turbulent flows. The velocity and turbulent intensities were measured by a constant-temperature hot-wire anemometer and temperatures by copper–constantan thermocouples. The results showed that the concave surface caused heat transfer to increase up to 55% in laminar, 30% in transitional, and 20% in turbulent flows, whereas the convex surface brought about heat transfer decreasing by 25% in laminar, 20% in transitional, and 15% in turbulent flows with respect to those of the flat plate. On the other hand, the ribbed surface with the same heated area caused much more heat transfer augmentation above the flat surface: 160% in laminar and 120% in turbulent flows.

Evaluation of measurement errors of temperature and relative humidity from HOBO data logger under different conditions of exposure to solar radiation.

This study aimed to assess measurements of temperature and relative humidity obtained with HOBO a data logger, under various conditions of exposure to solar radiation, comparing them with those obtained through the use of a temperature/relative humidity probe and a copper-constantan thermocouple psychrometer, which are considered the standards for obtaining such measurements. Data were collected over a 6-day period (from 25 March to 1 April, 2010), during which the equipment was monitored continuously and simultaneously. We employed the following combinations of equipment and conditions: a HOBO data logger in full sunlight; a HOBO data logger shielded within a white plastic cup with windows for air circulation; a HOBO data logger shielded within a gill-type shelter (multi-plate prototype plastic); a copper-constantan thermocouple psychrometer exposed to natural ventilation and protected from sunlight; and a temperature/relative humidity probe under a commercial, multi-plate radiation shield. Comparisons between the measurements obtained with the various devices were made on the basis of statistical indicators: linear regression, with coefficient of determination; index of agreement; maximum absolute error; and mean absolute error. The prototype multi-plate shelter (gill-type) used in order to protect the HOBO data logger was found to provide the best protection against the effects of solar radiation on measurements of temperature and relative humidity. The precision and accuracy of a device that measures temperature and relative humidity depend on an efficient shelter that minimizes the interference caused by solar radiation, thereby avoiding erroneous analysis of the data obtained.

Comparative experiments on phantom and ex vivo liver tissue in microwave ablation

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the thermal field distribution of phantom and ex vivo liver tissue in microwave ablation. We intent to verify if the phantom can be used in future studies in lieu of actual tissue. Methods: This experiment was divided into two groups of phantom and ex vivo porcine liver tissue. 2450 MHz is set. The tests last up to 240 s in 60 W. The velocity of the circulating water pumps were adjusted to 40 rounds/min. Twenty-five copper-constantan thermocouples (TCs) were inserted at the specified position to record temperature data. Result: For the cooling water, the temperature field was non-symmetric distribution at the gap before (z > z < 0 mm) of two groups of experiments. At the part without cooling water (z > 0 mm), effective ablation areas were larger; near the microwave antenna, the temperature curves showed good consistency for both materials. Far away from the microwave antenna, the value difference increased between phantom and liver tissue. Moreover, the effect of cooling water in phantom is more obvious than it in liver tissue. The shapes of ablation areas from two groups are not same. Conclusion: The result of the present work implied that heating patterns of liver tissue and phantom are comparable. But the difference of temperature field between two kinds of materials cannot be ignored. In cases of using phantom to verify temperature field in lieu of actual tissue, the researchers should pay full attention to these difference points.

Experimental Research on the Parameter Optimization of a Radiant Floor Heating System with Reflective Modules

The combination of reflecting cavity and cover layer makes it possible for a reflective radiant floor heating system to be characterized by uniform temperature field and low energy consumption. In this paper, the temperature distribution of a reflecting radiant floor heating system in an experimental chamber was tested under different heating conditions by use of copper constantan thermocouple; the temperature distribution of indoor workspace and floor surface was researched when water temperature was at 30°C, 40°C and 50°C and water flow at 0.24m3/h, 0.34m3/h and 0.44m3/h respectively; the temperature distribution on the surface of floors with three different layout patterns was compared. The results prove that a floor equipped with cover layer has a uniform temperature distribution on its surface. When water temperature is at 40°C, and water flow at 0.34m3/h, indoor workspace temperature remains at 20°C, and floor temperature can be controlled between 23°C and 26°C, satisfying peoples daily need for thermal comfort.

Operative field temperature during transnasal endoscopic cranial base procedures

BackgroundData regarding the safety of endoscopic skull base exploration are very scarce. With this method, fragile vital structures (cranial nerves, the optic complex, brainstem, hypothalamus or cerebral ventricles) are exposed to direct illumination within a closed space. Also, high-speed drills, cauterization and ultrasonic aspiration deliver a significant load of thermal energy. The aim of this study was to record the temperature close to the structures of the skull base and in the intradural space during the procedures performed using extended endoscopic transnasal approaches.MethodsThe temperature of the skull base was continuously recorded during six transnasal endoscopic procedures. Implantable copper-constantan thermocouples were inserted: one into the esophagus and another through the nostril to reach the operative field at the skull base.ResultsAt the beginning of the procedure, the temperature of the operative field was on average 36.8 °C ± 0.80 °C, i.e. only 1 °C higher than the esophageal temperature. Then it grew continuously during the whole procedure, to eventually reach a level of 42–43 °C at the final stage, whereas the esophageal temperature remained stable. Occasionally, the temperature increased up to 45 °C during cauterization and ultrasonic aspiration, and even up to 62 °C during high-speed drilling.ConclusionEndoscopic skull base surgery is associated with an incessant increase of the temperature of the intraoperative field. The temperature can peak suddenly to levels which can potentially harm neural structures and influence the rate of postoperative complications.

Effects of Bai-Hu decoction on fever induced by lipopolysaccharide

This study was designed to investigate the antifebrile effect and mechanisms of Bai-Hu decoction (BHD), a traditional Chinese medical (TCM) prescription. The rabbits used in this study received an intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) after being orally administered with BHD, ibuprofen, or saline, and their rectal temperatures were monitored by a copper–constantan thermocouple. Concentrations of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in serum and hypothalamus were assayed using the commercially available rabbit IL-1β and TNF-α enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits following the manufacturer’s instructions. The BHD treatment group exhibited a significant fall in body temperature in both peaks compared with the LPS group (p<0.05). BHD reduced the concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum, and of TNF-α in hypothalamus to control the febrile responses at 1 hour. Besides the levels of IL-1β in hypothalamus and serum, the concentration of TNF-α in hypothalamus was decreased remarkably in the BHD group than in the LPS group at 3 hours. The main findings, the partial mechanisms of BHD in reducing biphasic fever elicited by LPS, were that treatments with the crude extract of BHD could remarkably reduce the increased concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α, not only in serum but also in hypothalamus. The results indicated that BHD would be a valuable candidate for further investigation as a traditional antifebrile and anti-inflammatory natural drug.

Platinum nanoparticle-facilitated reflective surfaces for non-contact temperature control in microfluidic devices for PCR amplification

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is critical for amplification of target sequences of DNA or RNA that have clinical, biological or forensic relevance. While extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometry (EFPI) has been shown to be adequate for non-contact temperature sensing, the difficulty in defining a reflective surface that is semi-reflective, non-reactive for PCR compatibility and adherent for thermal bonding has limited its exploitation. Through the incorporation of a reflective surface fabricated using a thermally driven self-assembly of a platinum nanoparticle monolayer on the surface of the microfluidic chamber, an enhanced EFPI signal results, allowing for non-contact microfluidic temperature control instrumentation that uses infrared-mediated heating, convective forced-air cooling, and interferometic temperature sensing. The interferometer is originally calibrated with a miniature copper-constantan thermocouple in the PCR chamber resulting in temperature sensitivities of -22.0 to -32.8 nm·°C(-1), depending on the chamber depth. This universal calibration enables accurate temperature control in any device with arbitrary dimensions, thereby allowing versatility in various applications. Uniquely, this non-contact temperature control for PCR thermocycling is applied to the amplification of STR loci for human genetic profiling, where nine STR loci are successfully amplified for human identification using the EFPI-based non-contact thermocycling.

ABSOLUTE THERMOELECTRIC POWER OF Pb–Sn ALLOYS

In this work, absolute thermoelectric power (ATP) of Pb , Sn , Pb -20 wt.% Sn , Pb -40 wt.% Sn , Pb -60 wt.% Sn , Pb -80 wt.% Sn are measured. Measurements are performed in a temperature gradient furnace from 20°C to 500°C, for both solid and liquid states. Temperatures are measured with T-type copper-constantan thermocouples, while voltage signal between copper electrodes of those thermocouples is recorded in order to calculate ATP of the sample metal.