A review of the experimental techniques for the measurement of heat and temperatures generated in some manufacturing processes and tribology

Several techniques have been developed over time for the measurement of heat and the temperatures generated in various manufacturing processes and tribological applications. They include: (1) thermocouples — the embedded thermocouple and the dynamic thermocouple (or the chip–tool thermocouple in the case of cutting), (2) infra-red photography; (3) infrared optical pyrometers, (4) thermal paints, (5) materials of known melting temperatures, either in the powder form, or, as a thin film, and (6) change in microstructure with temperature in the case of high-speed steel tools, to name some. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. The appropriate technique for a given thermal problem depends on the situation under consideration, such as the ease of accessibility, spot size, dynamics of the situation, accuracy needed, cost of instrumentation, advancements in technology. In this paper, these techniques are briefly reviewed with pros and cons on their application for a given situation.