Standard Test Method for Measuring Heat Flux Using a Copper-Constantan Circular Foil, Heat-Flux Gage

SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes the measurement of radiative or convective heat flux, or both, using a transducer whose sensing element (1, 2) is a thin circular metal foil. While benchmark calibration standards exist for radiative environments, no uniform agreement among practitioners or government entities exists for convective environments.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in parentheses are provided for information only.
1.3 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
09-Oct-2001
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Buy Standard

Standard
ASTM E511-01 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Heat Flux Using a Copper-Constantan Circular Foil, Heat-Flux Gage
English language
7 pages
sale 15% off
Preview
sale 15% off
Preview

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:E511–01
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Heat Flux Using a Copper-Constantan Circular
1
Foil, Heat-Flux Transducer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 511; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope to the heat flux q9 absorbed by the foil. This relationship is
described by the following equation:
1.1 This test method describes the measurement of radiative
or convective heat flux, or both, using a transducer whose E 5 Kq9
2
sensing element (1, 2) is a thin circular metal foil. While
where:
benchmark calibration standards exist for radiative environ-
K = a sensitivity constant determined experimentally.
ments, no uniform agreement among practitioners or govern-
2.3 For linear response, the heat sink of the transducer
ment entities exists for convective environments.
normally is made of copper and the foil of thermocouple grade
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
constantan. This combination of materials produces a linear
standard. The values stated in parentheses are provided for
output over a temperature range from -45 to 232°C (-50 to
information only.
450°F). The linear range results from offsetting effects of
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
temperature-dependent changes in the thermal conductivity
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and Seebeck coefficient of the constantan. All further discus-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
sion is based on the use of these two metals, since engineering
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
practice has demonstrated they are commonly the most useful.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3. Characteristics and Limitations
2. Summary of Test Method
3.1 The principal response characteristics of a circular foil
2.1 The purpose of this test method is to facilitate measure-
heat flux transducer are sensitivity, full-scale range, and the
ment of heat flux from radiant or convective sources, or from
time constant, which are established by the foil diameter and
a combination of the two.
thickness. For a given heat flux, the transducer sensitivity is
2.2 The circular foil heat flux transducer generates a milli-
proportional to the temperature difference between the center
volt output in response to the rate of thermal energy absorbed
and edge of the circular foil. To increase sensitivity, the foil is
(see Fig. 1).The circular metal foil sensing element is mounted
made thinner or its diameter is increased. The full-scale range
in a metal heat sink around its perimeter, forming a reference
ofatransducerislimitedbythemaximumallowedtemperature
thermocouple junction due to their different thermoelectric
at the center of the foil.The range may be increased by making
potentials. A second thermocouple junction is formed at the
the foil smaller in diameter, or thicker. The transducer time
center of the foil using a fine wire of the same metal as the heat
constant approximately is proportional to the square of the foil
sink. When the sensing element is exposed to a heat source,
diameter, and is characterized by (3):
heat energy is absorbed at the surface of the circular foil and
2
conducted radially to the heat sink.This establishes a parabolic
t5rcd /16k
temperature gradient between the center and edge of the foil.
where the foil properties are:
The temperature gradient produces a thermoelectric potential,
r = density,
E, between the center wire and the heat sink that will vary in
c = specific heat,
proportion to the heat flux, q9. With prescribed foil diameter,
d = foil diameter, and
thickness,andmaterials,thepotential Eislinearlyproportional
k = foil conductivity.
3.2 Foil diameters and thicknesses are limited by typical
1 manufacturingconstraints.Maximumoptimumfoildiameterto
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E21 on Space
thickness ratio is 4 to 1 for sensors less than 2.54 mm diameter.
Simulation andApplications of Space Technology and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E21.08 on Thermal Protection.
Foil diameters range from 25.4 mm to 0.254 mm, with most
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 2001. Published January 2002. Originally
gages between 1.02 and 6.35 mm. The time constants, t, for a
e1
published as E 511 – 73. Last previous edition E 511 – 73 (1994) .
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this test method.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United St
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.