An improved technique for measuring the front-surface temperature of samples being tested at the tri-services thermal radiation test facility, Wright-Patterson AFB, is proposed. The new method will be designed to take advantage of the spectral characteristics of this facility. Radiation pyrometry has been selected as the only viable technique that can properly measure the surface temperature because it is capable of measuring very high temperatures, does not require contact with the surface, has a very short time constant, and can take measurement at various distances from the sample. A prototype radiation pyrometry device will be designed and fabricated for the facility. It will be tested to verify that the proposed design objectives have been met. A calibration technique will be developed and documented for use with the system.
