EXPERIMENT 4: RADIATION HEAT TRANSFER

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Thermal radiation is a mode of heat transfer, which differs significantly from the other two modes,
namely conduction and convection. The fact that radiant energy transfer occurs across a vacuum is often
disturbing to students unless the theory relating to properties of electromagnetic waves has been
presented.

The engineer is not directly concerned with the mechanism by which heat transfer occurs, sound
knowledge of the properties and laws relating to the topic are required. The SOLTEQ RADIATION
HEAT TRANSFER MODULE (Model: HE 155) consists of a pair of electrically heated radiant heat and
light sources, together with a comprehensive range of targets and measuring instrumentation.

The unit has been designed to demonstrate the fundamental laws relating to radiation. By performing a
series of simple experiments the student may verify the relevant equation appreciate the behavior of
radiation.

4.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The unit consists of a horizontal track fitted with interchangeable heat radiation source end and light
source. Either the heat radiation detector or the light meter may be placed on the horizontal track. In
addition, a number of accessories can be fitted for experimental purposes. These include metal plates, two
vertically orientated metal plates to form an aperture, and a number of light filters. The radiation detectors
accessories are all clamped to stand, which enable them to be positioned at different distances from the
source. Distances are measured with scales mounted on the front and the back of the track.

Temperatures of the three metal plates used in conjunction with the heat radiation source are
displayed on the control panel. Output from heat radiation detector and light meter are displayed on digital
read out.
4.3 Unit Assembly

Target Plate
Aperture
Heated Radiometer

Surface

Figure 1: Heat Studies Unit Assembly

Filter Plate
Light Meter
Light

Source

Figure 2: Light Studies Unit Assembly

4.4 Specifications

(a) Light Source

Consist of a bulb rated at 40 Watt, to produce a well distributed light using an acrylic
filter.

(b) Heated Surface

Consist of a heating aluminium plate rated with Matt Black Finish.

(c) Target Plate

Consist of three types Polished, Grey and Matt Black with bolt-on temperature sensor.
Note:
When assemble the target plates, make sure that the bolt-on thermocouple is facing
the heated surface.
(d) Aperture
Consist of two plates with insulation on one side of the surface. The Insulated surface
will be facing the heated surface during the experiment.

(e) Plastic Filter

Consist of three types of density known as Clear, Medium and Dark plate.

(f) Radiometer

(g) Light Meter

4.5 Overall Dimensions

Height : 0.25 m
Width : 1.55 m
Depth : 0.5 m

4.6 General Requirements

The equipment should be installed on a firm, level work surface.

The location should be remote from heaters or other sources of radiation and should
preferably be a darkened room for light experiments. If a darkened room is not available,
the apparatus should be located in subdued lighting away from direct sunlight.

Electrical: 240 VAC, 1-phase, 50/60Hz

4.7 SUMMARY OF THEORY

4.7.1 Inverse Square Law For Heat

dA1
dA
r

The total energy dQ from an element dA can be imagined to flow through a hemisphere of
radius r. A surface element on this hemisphere dA1 lies on a line making an angle with
the normal and the solid angle subtended by dA1 at dA is d1= dA1/r2.

(NOTE: solid angle which is by definition the intercepted area on a sphere divided by r2.)

If the rate of flow of energy through dA1 is dQ1 then dQ1= i d1dA where i is the
intensity of radiation in the direction.
ie. dQ1 1/ r2

4.7.2 Stefan-Boltzmann Law

The Stefan-Boltzmann Law states that: qb= (TS 4- Ta 4)

Where:
qb = energy emitted by unit area of a black body surface (Wm-2)
(Note: Energy emitted by surface =3.040 X reading from radiometer R-refer to Radiometer
Data Sheet for explanation)
= Stefan-Boltzmann constant equal to 5.67 x 10-8 (Wm-2 K-4)
TS= Source temperature and surrounding (K)
Ta= Temperature of radiometer and surroundings (K)
4.7.3 Kirchoffs Law

T
E 1 1 4A 1
A2 T 1
A1
T1
E1
1

T
1
4
1 A1

For a grey body having area A1, temperature T1, emissivity E1 and absorptivity 1
surrounded by a black enclosure of area A2 at the same temperature T1, then for thermal
equilibrium the grey body must absorb as much radiation as it emits.
i.e. 1 T24A1 = E1 c T14 A1 from which = E

4.7.4 Area Factors

A2

T2
A1
Q12

T1

The heat transfer rate from one radiating black surface to another is dependent on the
amount that each surface can see of the other surface. In order to solve radiant heat
transfer problems an area factor F is introduced where F is defined by the fraction of
energy emitted per unit time by one surface that is intercepted by the other surface.

Thus, the time rate of radiant heat transfer (Q12) between two black surfaces of area A1
and A2 at temperatures T1 and T2 respectively is given by:

Q 12 =A1F12 (T14- T24)

 Area factors are found by analysis, numerical approximation and analogy, and results for
common configurations have been published in graphical form.

4.8 GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

1. Sensor Connection
All sensors were numbered according to their range and type. Make sure that all sensors
used were plug in the right connections according to the label. The Light Meter and the
Radiometer can be both move along the track by loosen the nut below the holder.

2. Temperature Indicators
Temperature reading for each sensor is clearly labeled on the panel.

3. Heater Setting
Heating temperature is controlled by a temperature controller that comes with the panel.
The maximum heating temperature is 400C

The first line displays the temperature of the heated plate while the second line displays
the set value. Adjust the set value as follows.

Press UP and DOWN arrow key continuously until almost near the desired set value.

Press UP and DOWN arrow key one by one until desired set value is reached. Notice that
the least digit point is flashing.

Press ENT to register the data. Notice that the least digit point goes off.

4. Holder
The equipment consists of a target plate holder and a filter/aperture that can be moved
along the track by loosing the screw under the holder. Then, carefully slide the holder
according to the experiment requirement.

4.9 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

4.9.1 General Start-up Procedures

A. Heat Studies

1. Ensure that the main switches of the control panel is off.

2. Install the heat source assembly on the holder at one end of the horizontal
track.
3. Then install the radiometer on the horizontal track. The complete installation is
shown in Figure 1.
 4. Connect the heater supply cable to the power output socket of the control
panel.
5. Ensure that the heater cable is connected to the panel.
6. Connect the thermocouples of the heater assembly (T4) and three target
plates (T1, T2 and T3) to the panel. Then switch it on.
7. Check the thermocouple reading from the plate should indicate ambient
temperature.
8. Check the radiometer on the panel indicates approximately zero.
9. Set heater temperature to 400C, T4 temperature and the radiometer reading
should increase. Ensure that the radiometers cap is opened.
10. As the surface temperature of the heat source increases, observe the
readouts of radiation. The reading should increase as well.
11. The unit is now ready for experiment.

B. Light Studies

1. Ensure that the main switches of the control panel is off.

2. Install the light source assembly on the holder at one end of the horizontal
track.
3. Then install the light meter on the horizontal track. The complete installation is
shown in Figure 1.
4. Check the light meter measurement on the indicator. The measurement
should give zero reading when the cover that comes with the sensor is cap on.
5. Supply current to the light source.
6. Remove the cover and check the light meter responds to the change in
illumination of the light source.
7. The unit is now ready for experiment.

C. General Shut-down Procedures

1. Turn off the power supply to either the heat source or the light source.
2. Turn off the main switch and power supply.
3. Keep all the accessories of the Radiation Heat Transfer Module unit at a proper place.

Warning:
DO NOT to touch the heater plate while it is hot. Leave the equipment for a sufficient time
to cold down the heater plate after switching off the heater.
4.10 Experiment 1: INVERSE SQUARE LAW FOR HEAT

Objective:
To show that the intensity of radiation on a surface is inversely proportional to the square
of the distance of the surface from the radiation source

Procedure:
1. Follow the basic instruction as written in section 6.1.1.
2. Connect one of the thermocouple of the target plates T1 to the panel and place
the plate on the bench, to record ambient temperature.
3. Position the radiometer on the test track at 800mm from the heat source.
4. Set heater temperature to 400C by using heater controller. Monitor T4 reading on
the indicator.
5. When T4 value has stabilized, record T1, T4, the distance, x and the radiometer
reading, R.
6. Next, move the radiometer position to 700mm from the heated surface and
monitor the reading on the display panel. When the value has stabilized, record T1,
T4, the distance, x and the radiometer reading, R.
7. Repeat the above procedure by reducing the distance by 100mm until the
radiometer is 300mm from the heated surface.

Observations:

Radiometer
Distance,
Reading, T1 (C) T4 (C)
x(mm)
R(W/m2)
800
700
600
500
400
300

Assignment:
Plot the Log of the corrected radiometer reading R versus Log10 x graph and calculate the
slope. Compare the result with the theoretical value.
4.11 Experiment 2: STEFAN-BOLTZMANN LAW

Objective:
To show that the intensity of radiation varies as the fourth power the source temperature.

Procedure:

1. Follow the basic instruction as written in section 6.1.1.

2. Connect one of the thermocouple of the target plates T1 to the panel and place the
plate on the bench, to record ambient temperature.
3. Position the radiometer on the test track at 800mm from the heat source.
4. Set the heater temperature to 250C by heater controller. Monitor T4 reading on the
panel.
5. When T4 value has stabilized, move the radiometer to 300mm from the heated plate.
The reading of the radiometer should start to rise. When the value has stabilized,
record T1, T4, the distance, x and the radiometer reading, R.
6. Next, move the radiometer to 800mm from the heated plate again.
7. Repeat the above procedure with an increment of 50C from 250C to 400C.

Observations:

Heater Radiometer
Distance,
Temperature Reading, T1 (C) T4 (C)
x(mm)
(C) R(W/m2)
250 300
300 300
350 300
400 300

Assignment:
Calculate the relationship between the Stefan Boltzman Law and the corrected radiation
reading (Rc), given as a factor of F.