Articles | Volume 5, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-5-381-2016
https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-5-381-2016
Regular research article
 | 
08 Nov 2016
Regular research article |  | 08 Nov 2016

Optimization of a sensor for a Tian–Calvet calorimeter with LTCC-based sensor discs

Franz Schubert, Michael Gollner, Jaroslaw Kita, Florian Linseis, and Ralf Moos

Abstract. In this work, it is shown how a finite element method (FEM) model of a Tian–Calvet calorimeter is used to find improvements in the sensor design to increase the sensitivity of the calorimeter. By changing the layout of the basic part of the sensor, which is a low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) based sensor disc, an improvement by a factor of 3 was achieved. The model was validated and the sensors were calibrated with a set of measurements that were later used to determine the melting enthalpies and melting temperatures of indium and tin samples. Melting temperatures showed a maximum deviation of 0.2 K while the enthalpy was measured with a precision better than 1 % for most samples. The values for tin deviate by less than 2 % from literature data.

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Short summary
An FEM model is used to improve the sensor design of a Tian–Calvet calorimeter. By modifying the basic part of the sensor (a sensor disc based on low temperature co-fired ceramics), the sensitivity was increased by a factor of 3. The model was validated and the sensors were calibrated. Indium and tin samples were measured. The melting temperatures show a deviation of 0.2 K while the enthalpy was measured with a precision better than 1 %. The values for tin deviate by less than 2 % from literature.