ASTM E459-22

Standard Test Method for Measuring Heat Transfer Rate Using a Thin-Skin Calorimeter

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method may be used to measure the net heat transfer rate to a metallic or coated metallic surface for a variety of applications, including:  
5.1.1 Measurements of aerodynamic heating when the calorimeter is placed into a flow environment, such as a wind tunnel or an arc jet; the calorimeters can be designed to have the same size and shape as the actual test specimens to minimize heat transfer corrections;  
5.1.2 Heat transfer measurements in fires and fire safety testing;  
5.1.3 Laser power and laser absorption measurements; as well as,  
5.1.4 X-ray and particle beam (electrons or ions) dosimetry measurements.  
5.2 The thin-skin calorimeter is one of many concepts used to measure heat transfer rates. It may be used to measure convective, radiative, or combinations of convective and radiative (usually called mixed or total) heat transfer rates. However, when the calorimeter is used to measure radiative or mixed heat transfer rates, the absorptivity and reflectivity of the surface should be measured over the expected radiation wavelength region of the source, and as functions of temperature if possible.  
5.3 In 6.6 and 6.7, it is demonstrated that lateral heat conduction effects on a local measurement can be minimized by using a calorimeter material with a low thermal conductivity. Alternatively, a distribution of the heat transfer rate may be obtained by placing a number of thermocouples along the back surface of the calorimeter.  
5.4 In high temperature or high heat transfer rate applications, the principal drawback to the use of thin-skin calorimeters is the short exposure time necessary to ensure survival of the calorimeter such that repeat measurements can be made with the same sensor. When operation to burnout is necessary to obtain the desired heat flux measurements, thin-skin calorimeters are often a good choice because they are relatively inexpensive to fabricate.  
5.5 It is important to understand that the calorimeter design (th...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the design and use of a thin metallic calorimeter for measuring heat transfer rate (also called heat flux). Thermocouples are attached to the unexposed surface of the calorimeter. A one-dimensional heat flow analysis is used for calculating the heat transfer rate from the temperature measurements. Applications include aerodynamic heating, laser and radiation power measurements, and fire safety testing.  
1.2 Advantages:  
1.2.1 Simplicity of Construction—The calorimeter may be constructed from a number of materials. The size and shape can often be made to match the actual application. Thermocouples may be attached to the metal by spot, electron beam, or laser welding.  
1.2.2 Heat transfer rate distributions may be obtained if metals with low thermal conductivity, such as some stainless steels or Inconel 600, are used.  
1.2.3 The calorimeters can be fabricated with smooth surfaces, without insulators or plugs and the attendant temperature discontinuities, to provide more realistic flow conditions for aerodynamic heating measurements.  
1.2.4 The calorimeters described in this test method are relatively inexpensive. If necessary, they may be operated to burn-out to obtain heat transfer information.  
1.3 Limitations:  
1.3.1 At higher heat flux levels, short test times are necessary to ensure calorimeter survival.  
1.3.2 For applications in wind tunnels or arc-jet facilities, the calorimeter must be operated at pressures and temperatures such that the thin-skin does not distort under pressure loads. Distortion of the surface will introduce measurement errors.  
1.3.3 Interpretation of the heat flux estimated may require additional analysis if the thin-skin calorimeter configuration is different from the test specimen.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4.1 Exception—The values ...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2022
• ICS: 17.200.10 - Heat. Calorimetry
• Technical Committee: E21 - Space Simulation and Applications of Space Technology
• Drafting Committee: E21.08 - Thermal Protection

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E459 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Heat Transfer Rate Using a Thin-Skin
1
Calorimeter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E459; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
1.1 This test method covers the design and use of a thin
standard.
metallic calorimeter for measuring heat transfer rate (also
1.4.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for
called heat flux). Thermocouples are attached to the unexposed
information only.
surface of the calorimeter. A one-dimensional heat flow analy-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
sis is used for calculating the heat transfer rate from the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
temperature measurements. Applications include aerodynamic
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
heating, laser and radiation power measurements, and fire
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
safety testing.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2 Advantages:
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.2.1 Simplicity of Construction—The calorimeter may be
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
constructed from a number of materials. The size and shape can
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
often be made to match the actual application. Thermocouples
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
may be attached to the metal by spot, electron beam, or laser
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
welding.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2.2 Heat transfer rate distributions may be obtained if
metals with low thermal conductivity, such as some stainless
2. Referenced Documents
steels or Inconel 600, are used.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.2.3 The calorimeters can be fabricated with smooth
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
surfaces, without insulators or plugs and the attendant tempera-
E230 Specification for Temperature-Electromotive Force
ture discontinuities, to provide more realistic flow conditions
(emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
for aerodynamic heating measurements.
E235 Specification for Type K and Type N Mineral-
1.2.4 The calorimeters described in this test method are
Insulated, Metal-Sheathed Thermocouples for Nuclear or
relatively inexpensive. If necessary, they may be operated to
for Other High-Reliability Applications
burn-out to obtain heat transfer information.
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
1.3 Limitations:
E3057 Test Method for Measuring Heat Flux Using Direc-
1.3.1 At higher heat flux levels, short test times are neces-
tional Flame Thermometers with Advanced Data Analysis
sary to ensure calorimeter survival.
Techniques
1.3.2 For applications in wind tunnels or arc-jet facilities,
E457 Test Method for Measuring Heat-Transfer Rate Using
the calorimeter must be operated at pressures and temperatures
a Thermal Capacitance (Slug) Calorimeter
such that the thin-skin does not distort under pressure loads.
Distortion of the surface will introduce measurement errors.
3. Terminology
1.3.3 Interpretation of the heat flux estimated may require
3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminologies E176 and E456 for
additional analysis if the thin-skin calorimeter configuration is
definitions of terms used in this test method.
different from the test specimen.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E21 on Space
Simulation and Applications of Space Technology and is the direct responsibility of
2
Subcommittee E21.08 on Thermal Protection. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as E459 – 05(2016). DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0459-22. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E459 − 22
3.2.1 absorbed heat flux, n—incident r
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E459 − 05 (Reapproved 2016) E459 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Heat Transfer Rate Using a Thin-Skin
1
Calorimeter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E459; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the design and use of a thin metallic calorimeter for measuring heat transfer rate (also called heat flux).
Thermocouples are attached to the unexposed surface of the calorimeter. A one-dimensional heat flow analysis is used for
calculating the heat transfer rate from the temperature measurements. Applications include aerodynamic heating, laser and
radiation power measurements, and fire safety testing.
1.2 Advantages:
1.2.1 Simplicity of Construction—The calorimeter may be constructed from a number of materials. The size and shape can often
be made to match the actual application. Thermocouples may be attached to the metal by spot, electron beam, or laser welding.
1.2.2 Heat transfer rate distributions may be obtained if metals with low thermal conductivity, such as some stainless steels, steels
or Inconel 600, are used.
1.2.3 The calorimeters can be fabricated with smooth surfaces, without insulators or plugs and the attendant temperature
discontinuities, to provide more realistic flow conditions for aerodynamic heating measurements.
1.2.4 The calorimeters described in this test method are relatively inexpensive. If necessary, they may be operated to burn-out to
obtain heat transfer information.
1.3 Limitations:
1.3.1 At higher heat flux levels, short test times are necessary to ensure calorimeter survival.
1.3.2 For applications in wind tunnels or arc-jet facilities, the calorimeter must be operated at pressures and temperatures such that
the thin-skin does not distort under pressure loads. Distortion of the surface will introduce measurement errors.
1.3.3 Interpretation of the heat flux estimated may require additional analysis if the thin-skin calorimeter configuration is different
from the test specimen.
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E21 on Space Simulation and Applications of Space Technology and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E21.08 on Thermal Protection.
Current edition approved April 1, 2016April 1, 2022. Published April 2016May 2022. Originally approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 20112016 as
E459 – 05 (2011).(2016). DOI: 10.1520/E0459-05R16.10.1520/E0459-22.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E459 − 22
1.4.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E230 Specification for Temperature-Electromotive Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
E235 Specification for Type K and Type N Mineral-Insulated, Metal-Sheathed Thermocouples for Nuclear or for Other
High-Reliability Applications
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E3057 Test Method for Measuring Heat Flux Using Directional Flame Thermometers with Advanced Data Analysis Techniques
E457 Test Method for Measuring Heat-Transfer Rate Using a Thermal Capacitance (Slug) Calorimeter
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminologies E176 and E456 for definitions of terms used in this test method.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2
3.2.1 absorbed heat flux, n—incident radiative heat flux less the reflected r
...