TH331 · Heat Transfer by Radiation

Experimental Apparatus for the Study of Heat Transfer by Thermal Radiation

Experiments

Stefan–Boltzmann law — verification of the fourth-power dependence of radiative emission on absolute temperature
Lambert's inverse-square law — verification that radiative intensity falls as 1/r² by sliding the thermopile along the rail
Kirchhoff's law — comparison of emissive power across specimens of different surface finishes (polished, oxidised, matt-black, anodised)
Surface emissivity — quantification of ε for each specimen relative to a near-blackbody reference

The TH331 is a bench-top apparatus for the experimental study of heat transfer by thermal radiation. A small metal specimen with an embedded resistive heater radiates onto a thermopile mounted on a carriage that travels along a linear rail. Recording radiation intensity against specimen temperature confirms the Stefan–Boltzmann fourth-power law; sliding the carriage at constant temperature confirms Lambert's inverse-square law; swapping specimens of different finishes reveals the role of surface emissivity in Kirchhoff's law.

Schematic diagram of the TH331 apparatus

Interchangeable specimen

ø20 mm metallic disc · polished, oxidised, matt-black or anodised finishes

Electric heater

computer controlled · electronically limited to 250 °C for safety

Specimen temperature sensor

Thermopile radiation sensor

Carriage on linear rail

sets specimen-to-sensor distance for the inverse-square experiment

Schematic diagram of the TH331 apparatus

Real Time Data Acquisition and Control Software

to do

Connectivity

The apparatus is equipped with Sangari Connect technology, which allows students to view live data and control the device both from computers in the lab and remotely.

Part of package

Fundamentals of Heat Transfer

Aquire a solid understanding of thermodynamics with this complete set of experimental equipment covering the core topics in heat transfer — conduction, convection, and radiation.

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