Accuracy of thermocouples in radiant-heat testing

Results of an investigation of the accuracy of iron-constantan thermocouples in measuring transient surface temperatures produced by radiant heating on metallic specimens are given. The criterion of thermocouple accuracy was derived from the theory of heat conduction. The thermocouples were tested on metallic specimens of different thicknesses at varying heating rates. Comparison of these results with analytical criteria permitted quantitative determination of thermocouple errors.