Methodology

In this experiment, a thermal radiation setup (shown in Figure _) was used which included a heat source,
a black plate, a radiometer, and aperture plates, all mounted in movable platforms. In starting the
experiment, the voltage adjustment knob was set to minimum, and then the heat source was plugged into
the electrical socket and turned on. The stoppers located under the equipment were loosened such that
the black plate was 50 mm away from the heat source, while the radiometer was 400 mm away from the
black plate. In between the two was the aperture holder, with the aperture plates initially removed.

To study the effect of temperature, the voltage was set to different values and the readings (temperature
and radiometer readings) recorded. The radiometer shield was initially placed firmly in the radiometer,
while setting the voltage to ¼ the maximum (45o CW). It is important to note that a waiting time of 3-5
minutes was observed every after the adjustment of the voltage. The temperature and radiometer
readings were then recorded, the latter being the value for the zero offset. Next, the shield was removed
from the radiometer. A waiting time was also observed after removing or replacing the shield. The
radiometer reading was then recorded. This was repeated for 3 trials, then repeated for ½ of the
maximum, ¾ of the maximum, and the maximum voltage, and each with 3 trials.

To study the effect of aperture width, the distance between the two aperture plates were changed and
the readings recorded. The shield was initially removed and the voltage was at maximum. The readings
were also initially recorded as the maximum temperature and radiometer readings. The plates were then
attached to the holder, upright and secured, and the silver surface facing the heat source. Initially, the
plates were set such that there was no space or gap between them. The shield was then attached, and
after the waiting time, the reading was recorded as the zero offset. The shield was removed, and the
reading was again recorded after the waiting time. This process was repeated for 3 trials, then again for
every 10-mm increase of the aperture width, and each with 3 trials.

Lastly, to study the effect of shielding, different materials were used in place of the aperture plates. The
same process was done per material (Styrofoam sheet, car insulator, aluminum foil) as the previous part.
The voltage was at maximum. The material was placed in the aperture holder, and while the radiometer
shield was placed, the reading was recorded as the zero offset. Then, the shield was removed and the
reading was recorded. This was repeated for 3 trials, then again for every material, and each with 3 trials.

After the experiment, the voltage knob was slowly turned back to the minimum value. The plug was
removed from the socket. The aperture plates were also placed back into the holder. All combustible
materials were placed away from the heat source.
Figure _. Thermal Radiation Setup (taken from ChE 135 Laboratory Manual)