Acoustic temperature measurement in layered environments

A system for measuring a temperature gradient in a layered environment, comprising:

• a container having a sidewall;
• an acoustic transducer positioned on or proximate to an exterior surface of the sidewall of the container;
• a signal transmitted from the acoustic transducer into the sidewall of the container, wherein a reflected signal is received by the acoustic transducer or another acoustic transducer positioned on or proximate to the exterior surface of the sidewall;
• a computerized device having a processor and a computer-readable memory, wherein the processor is configured to measure a temperature gradient of the reflected signal using an angle of incidence and refraction of the reflected signal, wherein the temperature gradient indicates a temperature of a material within the container.

A method of measuring a temperature gradient in a layered environment, the method comprising:

• positioning an acoustic transducer on or proximate to an exterior surface of a container;
• transmitting a signal from the acoustic transducer into a sidewall of the container;
• generating a reflected signal from an echo of the transmitted signal on an interior surface of a sidewall of the container;
• receiving the reflected signal at the acoustic transducer or another acoustic transducer;
• and
• processing the reflected signal in a processor of a computerized device in communication with the acoustic transducer, thereby measuring a temperature gradient of the reflected signal.