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Development of advanced technology gas turbine aircraft propulsion systems has focused on performance, efficiency and durability. The resulting trend has been increased turbine inlet temperatures, more sophisticated airfoil cooling mechanisms, higher rotor speeds and stage loadings, and improved aerodynamics. This has required the development of advanced measurement technologies. Work done in four technology areas under NASA sponsorship is addressed in this paper. Small 2000°F sputtered thin film thermocouples have been developed for engine and component testing. These sensors replace conventional wire thermocouples and wire strain gages. Several types of heat flux sensors are now in use for making measurements under actual environmental conditions of combustor liner and turbine blades and vanes. Turbine blade metal surface temperatures are currently measured using scanning radiation pyrometry.

The issue of pressurization is a complex and controversial one involving many engineering design variables. There are among the molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) developers and researchers differences in the relative perceived importance of these variables in the MCFC power plant systems determined to be of interest. These variables significantly affect MCFC system economics and commercial viability. While developing at pressure at this time may not be necessary to commercialize the MCFC, there are potential benefits of operating MCFC's at pressure. In this paper, the authors identify the advantages and disadvantages of operating the MCFC at pressure. Potential problems are discussed. The large and small power plant system implications of operating at pressure are qualified. Some recommendations are made. The overall goal of this paper is to create interest and motivate research in the area.