CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Several studies in the field of mechanical engineering are conducted with

the utilization of existing laboratory apparatuses. Important theories learned in the

academe and in extensive researches are derived and quantified through data

gathered in experiments which, later on, organized and analyzed to formulate

useful mathematical models. These are helpful to easily infer the relationship

between various experiment parameters.

In order to reduce the difficulty of understanding complex theories by mere

words, they are restructured into mathematical models which transform problem

characteristics into variables and concepts into mathematical statements.

Experiments, where researchers control and manipulate various variables and

develop mathematical models, thereafter, are made possible with the usage of

different apparatuses which aid in the realization of different engineering concepts.

In the field of mechanical engineering, particularly in radiation heat transfer,

one of the most important concepts is the emissivity of materials. All objects with

temperatures greater than absolute zero emit thermal radiation which depends on

their emissivity (NPL, 2018). As defined by National Physics Laboratory (2018),

emissivity is a dimensionless parameter which refers to the ratio of energy radiated

from the surface of the material to that from a black body, which is known as a

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perfect emitter. It can vary from 0 to 1 depending upon the material type and its

surface characteristic (Serway & Jewett 2008, p. 576). For non-metals, which are

the subject of this study, the emissivity can be as close to the blackbody which

make them good emitter of thermal radiation. As a consequence, they can be used

in calibrating radiation thermometers since they need to be calibrated using

blackbody reference sources so the measurement would be accurate, with a

certain adjustment factor yet to be identified.

However, since emissivity changes with temperature and surface condition,

it is difficult to identify a fixed value for a given material. With the purpose of

extending the research to this problem, the researchers aim to develop a

mathematical model expressing emissivity as a function of such factors by

conducting an experimental research with the utilization of the emissivity

measurement apparatus currently situated in Batangas State University.

Conceptual Framework

This study is conducted upon the foundation of a conceptual framework,

formulated using the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model, shown in Figure 1.

At the Input stage, there are three necessary things to be considered –

knowledge requirements, software requirements and hardware requirements.

Knowledge requirements include knowledge in the fundamental concepts of

thermal radiation and emissivity, knowledge in material specifications and skill in

temperature measurement. On the other hand, software requirements involve

basic knowledge in programming and usage of mathematical modelling and data

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processing software such as MATLAB and MS Excel. Whereas, certain personal

computer specifications add up to the list of hardware requirements.

Following the Input stage is the Process stage. It is where the inputs are

subjected to computations. This encompasses planning, preliminary testing, data

acquisition, data organization and analysis, model development and validation,

and implementation. In the planning process, the researchers conduct a

preliminary investigation about the nature and background of the study and seek

feasible solutions to the problem entailed with the study. Preliminary testing seeks

to ensure the accuracy of the existing apparatus needed for the study. In data

acquisition, the researchers utilize the emissivity measurement apparatus in order

to gather relevant data. Data organization and analysis includes compiling the data

into table and applying statistical treatment with the use of spreadsheet. In the

model development and validation, the researchers undertake the process of

inputting data into the modelling software and deriving the resulting mathematical

model in the form of mathematical equation or any empirical formula. The resulting

model will be subject to validation in order to test its correlation to real-life situation.

In the implementation, the mathematical model derived from the research will be

published.

The output of the study is the mathematical model of emissivity of non-

metals in relation to their resulting surface temperature and their capacity as

thermometer calibration material.

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 INPUT
 Knowledge Requirements
 Knowledge in fundamental
concepts of thermal radiation
and emissivity
 knowledge in material
specifications
 Skill in temperature
measurement using various
temperature measuring
device

Software Requirements
 Basic knowledge in
programming
 Knowledge in usage of
mathematical modelling and
data processing software
such as MATLAB and MS
Excel.
 Hardware Requirements
 Proper choice of PC with
necessary specifications.
Figure 1. Research Paradigm of the Study
PROCESS OUTPUT
 Planning
Seeking feasible solutions to
problem in consideration
 Preliminary Testing
Ensuring the accuracy of the
existing apparatus needed in the
study
 Data Acquisition
A mathematical model relating
the emissivity of non-metals to
 Data Organization and Analysis
their resulting surface
Data gathered are organized into
temperature and their capacity as
tabular formed and then
thermometer calibration material
analyzed
 Model Development and
Validation
Usage of software to relate the
variables under study
 Implementation
Publication of the mathematical
derived and other results