Thermistor Problem: Finding Material and Equation

  • Context: Undergrad 
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    Thermistor
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the appropriate material for a thermistor using the equation ΔR=kΔT, where ΔR represents the change in resistivity, k is the temperature coefficient of resistivity, and ΔT is the change in temperature. The user lacks values for final resistivity and k, which are essential for material selection. It is emphasized that thermistors can be non-linear and may serve different functions such as self-heating regulation or temperature sensing. To proceed, the user should measure resistance at known temperatures and plot the results to identify the slope, which corresponds to k.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermistors and their applications
  • Familiarity with the equation ΔR=kΔT
  • Knowledge of Ohm's law for measuring voltage and current
  • Ability to perform temperature measurements at known points (e.g., ice water, boiling water)
NEXT STEPS
  • Measure resistance of the thermistor at various known temperatures
  • Learn about the characteristics of non-linear thermistors
  • Research materials with specific temperature coefficients of resistivity
  • Explore data plotting techniques to visualize resistance changes
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students, engineers, and researchers involved in thermistor design, temperature sensing applications, or materials science, particularly those interested in understanding thermistor behavior and characteristics.

brendanrundle
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Ok so I am trying to figure out what type of material a thermistor should be, and am using the equation ΔR=kΔT (R being the resistivity, k being the temperature coefficient of resistivity, with which I want to find and match it up with a material, and T being the temperature). I have the change in temperature and the resistivity is initially at zero, but I don't have either the final resistivity or k. Can anyone give me some guidance? Thanks!
 
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Thermistors are often non-linear. Some are designed as self heating regulation devices, others as temperature sensors. You need to measure the characteristics of your device and identify thermal conductivity regarding self heating.
Start here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermistor
 
Is this a school experiment? It sounds like one I supervised a few years ago.

If so, you need to measure the resistance at several temperatures (known temperatures - ice water, boiling water, etc) using Ohm's law with measured voltages and currents. Then plot your results.

k is the slope of the curve.
 

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