A High-Temperature Strain Dual Reference Sensor With a Self-Compensating Structure

To address the challenges of high-temperature strain detection in aeroengines and similar equipment, this study employs screen printing technology to fabricate a self-compensating, temperature-integrated strain sensor capable of operating in extreme thermal environments. The sensor utilizes indium tin oxide (ITO) and platinum as sensitive materials and designs a strain gauge structure with a compensation function. This design enhances the flexibility in selecting compensation materials without compromising strain sensing performance. The sensor’s performance was evaluated using a high-temperature muffle furnace and a strain testing system. Results demonstrate its excellent temperature and strain measurement capabilities. At $1250~^{\circ }$ C, the sensor exhibits an average temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of −388.74 ppm/°C and a resistance drift rate of only $2.64\times 10^{-{5}}$ /h over an 8-h period, indicating its robust stability at high temperatures. Moreover, the sensor shows high sensitivity, accuracy, and excellent linearity with an average gauge factor (GF) of −17.8 in a strain characteristic test at $800~^{\circ }$ C. In the high-temperature measurement experiments, the thermocouple test results were analyzed using a high-order polynomial fit, resulting in an average Seebeck coefficient of $47.9~\mu $ v/°C for the sensor. The sensor’s fabrication process is straightforward and efficient, coupled with its self-compensation characteristics, making it a promising candidate for high-temperature strain sensing applications.