Abstract
This paper proposes a strategy of optimizing temperature sensor placement for thermal error compensation based on dynamic characteristics of temperature field and thermal deformation of a machine tool structure. A simple example of one-dimensional thermal expansion is given to signify the importance of sensor placement to the accuracy and robustness of thermal error modeling. Time and frequency domain analyses of optimal sensor placement are carried out for the simple one-dimensional thermal expansion and then extended to more complex two and three-dimensional thermal expansions. To apply the strategy to a machine tool, a new method of analyzing machine tool thermal errors called thermal deformation chain analysis is proposed to predetermine the sensor locations on a machine tool structure. The method is very effective in identifying thermal error contributors and their significance, and has been proven to be efficient in choosing sensor locations on a turning center.