I am using K type thermocouples to measure the temperature in the weld zone during welding by placing the thermocouples on the bottom surface of the plate. Please suggest me some ideas regarding securing the same to the surface of the plate.
As you can see at the attached image of a specimen we used for forging experiments, the type K thermocouples are very tough. We used three thermos inside the specimen and one on the surface for an in-situ measurement of the temperature field starting from room temperature->heating->forming->cooling. The initial cross-section of the specimen was circular. All the thermos did their job throughout the hole measurement! After finishing the measurement we cut them off and repaired them by laser-welding, thus we could reuse them. The Thermo on the surface was also welded to fix it on the correct position. So don`t worry about the thermocouples, they can take a lot!
It is possible to weld or peen the thermocouples into a surface. Remember, the voltage is generated by the change in temperature, so a small difference in the shorted end generally is not of concern.
Make grooves on the bottom welding plate, and insert the thermocouple wires inside the groove. Ensure that the wire is present inside the groove, during the welding process.
If practical hit the surface you intend to secure the thermocouple with a semi fine abrasive (60 grit). if your experiment allows you would like to be on bare parent metal. You can wipe area with acetone and dry before attempting spot weld. Depending on parameters you can use GTAW or resistance welder. Should be video in this thread to demonstrate.