Performance and Modeling of Heat Flux Sensors in Different Environments.
Performance and Modeling of Heat Flux Sensors in
Different Environments.
(893 K)
Holmberg, D. G.; Womeldorf, C. A.
NIST SP 971; August 2001.
NIST SP 971: "Collected Reports and Publications by the
National Institute of Standards and Technology on Heat
Flux Gage Calibration and Usage." AND Calibration,
Error Analysis, and Modeling of Heat Flux Sensors
Symposium. Proceedings. American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME) Heat Transfer Division. Volume 4.
HTD-Vol. 364-4. November 14-19, 1999, Nashville, TN,
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York, NY,
71-77 pp, 2001.
Available from:
For More Information on NIST SP 971 visit: WEBSITE:
http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/866/heatflux/index.htm
Keywords:
heat flux; sensors; environment models
Abstract:
Heat flux measurement is not simple; care is required in
selecting a suitable sensor for a given application.
Surface substrate properties and the convective and
radiative environment determine the choice of sensors.
Mounting of the sensor, especially in calibration versus
application, influences accuracy of measurement. The
purpose of the present study is to increase awareness of
potential errors in heat flux sensor use. This paper
compares sensor performance in general by examining
results of testing three eommercialIy available sensors
and by numerical modeling of these sensors. Comparisons
of sensor calibrations in the NIST convective heat flux
calibration facility are made with manufacturer
calibrations and give evidence of potential pitfalls
when using a sensor in a different environment than the
calibration environment. Modeling results help explain
observed data, demonstrating specific sensor parameters
that can lead to significantly different calibrations in
different environments.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899