Integrated thermocouple waveguide sensor system and method to measure physical properties of waveguide material and surroundings

A method of measuring physical properties of wave propagation mediums and surrounding mediums including rheology and strain parameters using ultrasonic waves propagating in waveguides in addition to temperature using an integrated sensor system, the method comprises the steps of:

• a. providing at least two wave propagation mediums, wherein each of the at least two wave propagation mediums comprises a metal that is dissimilar from respective metals of another of the at least two wave propagation mediums, and wherein each of the at least two wave propagation mediums includes one or more reflectors;
• b. joining the at least two wave propagation mediums at a first end to construct a thermocouple;
• c. placing an ultrasonic energy transducer at a second end of one or more of the at least two wave propagation mediums;
• d. arranging and securing the thermocouple in contact or embedded in an area of interest;
• e. maintaining a temperature difference between the first end and the second end of the at least two wave propagation mediums;
• f. supplying electrical energy to the ultrasonic transducer to produce mechanical vibrations that generate ultrasonic waves;
• g. transmitting the ultrasonic waves through the at least two wave propagation mediums and receiving response data by the ultrasonic transducer;
• h. observing a Seebeck effect by measuring electromotive force at the first end;
• and
• i. processing the response data.