Experiment No.

5
EMISSIVITY

1. Objective

To determine the emissivity of different surfaces (polished, silver anodized, matt

black)

2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

The student shall be able to:

2.1 Understand the concept of Emissivity
2.2 Understand the properties of Emissivity

3. Discussion:

Emissivity (ε) is defined as the ratio of the total energy emitted by a surface to the
total energy emitted by a black surface at the same temperature. For real bodies ε is a
function of the radiation wave-length, the angle of incidence, the surface temperature
and the surface finish, but it is generally practical to assume averaged values when
making calculations. Tabulated values of emissivities for various materials are to be
found in published tests dealing with this subject. Usually the emissivity is introduced
as a multiplication constant in heat transfer calculations, as, for example, in the
Stefan-Boltzmann Law which is re-written:
q emitted =Eσ (T s4 −T A 4 )
where: σ =5.674 x 10−8 W m−2 K−4
E = Emissivity of surface

4. Resources:

Equipment: Thermal Radiation Unit

5. Procedure:

1. Install the polish plate in the carrier.

2. Vary the power to the heat source and record the temperature of the metal
plate (Ts) and radiometer reading (R) at various settings. It is recommended
that while waiting for the black plate temperature to stabilize between each
increase of the heater power control the reflective disc is placed in the
radiometer aperture to prevent heating effects and zero drift.
3. Repeat the procedure for the silver anodized plate and matt black plate.

6. Data and Results:

The data was gathered at a constant:

Distance from radiometer to black plates (X) = 100mm
Distance from heat source to nearest metal plate (Y) = 50mm

Polished Plate:
Readings Calculations
Temp
Temp Radiometer
Readin
Reading Reading Q b=3.519∗R E=Q b /[σ ( T s 4−T A4 ) ]
g
(TA) (R)
(Ts)
K K W /m2 W /m2 W /m2
306 300 5 17.595 0.1319772194
314 301 7 24.633 0.2870088322
330 307 17 59.823 0.3542394293
356 316 39 137.241 0.3971190358
369 317 42 147.798 0.3085640013

Average Value of Emissivity: E = 0.2957817036 W /m 2

True Emissivity*: E = 0.14 – 0.38 W /m2

Silver Anodized Plate:

Readings Calculations
 Temp
Temp Radiometer
Readin
Reading Reading Q b=3.519∗R E=Qb /[σ ( T s 4−T A4 ) ]
g
(TA) (R)
(Ts)
K K W /m 2 W /m2 W /m 2
308 301 5 17.595 0.392213595
307 299 4 14.076 0.2786354585
308 300 4 14.076 0.2758951173
302 299 4 14.076 0.7618411564
318 300 3 10.557 0.087513486

Average Value of Emissivity: E = 0.3598309738 W /m 2

True Emissivity*: 0.02 – 0.03 W /m2

Matt Black Plate:

Readings Calculations
Temp
Temp Radiometer
Readin
Reading Reading Q b=3.519∗R E=Qb /[σ ( T s 4−T A4 ) ]
g
(TA) (R)
(Ts)
K K W /m 2 W /m2 W /m 2
323 304 21 73.899 0.5556795115
324 304 18 63.342 0.4502806182
323 303 17 59.823 0.4293513031
331 306 21 73.899 0.4024875929
360 309 27 95.013 0.2180512445

Average Value of Emissivity: E = 0.411170054 W /m 2

True Emissivity*: E = 1.00 W /m2

Discussion:
In comparison, the calculated emissivity for the polished iron plate is within the given
range of the true value of emissivity of the polished plate. However, the calculated
values for the Silver and Matt Black plates does not. This can be explained by a
number of reasons, such as the silver plate being tarnished and imperfect, therefore
not as reflective as it should be, and that the matt black plate being scratched up and
not as black as it should be, seeing as true black is impossible to obtain.

* The true values of emissivity is taken from the website:

https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/emissivity-coefficients-d_447.html

Subject: Unit Operations Lab 1 Experiment No: 5

Group No: Section: 51079
Group Members: Perey, Patricia Jane L.
Briones, Justin Carl L. Perez, Butch Sundance C.
Fernandez, John Martin S. Ramos, Rem Camille C.
7. Calculations:
Sample Calculation:

For Polished Plate: (2nd trial)

Q b=3.519∗R
W W
Qb=3.519∗ 7
( ) m2
=24.633 2
m
Qb
E= 4
[ σ (T s −T A 4 ) ]
W
24.633
m2
E=
W
[(5.674 x 10 −8
2
m K 4 )
( ( 314 K )4−( 301 K )4 )
]
W
E=0.2870088322
m2

Average Emissivity: Polished Plate

Σ ( E)
E= =0.2957817036 W /m2
n
8. Conclusion:

From the data gathered, it can be concluded that the polished iron plate gave the most
accurate readings, while the silver and matt black plates weren’t even close to their
true value of emissivity, partly due to imperfections of the plates themselves.
However, it can be observed that the matt black plate gave a higher emissivity value
as expected, due to black body objects absorbs most, if not all, electromagnetic
radiation it comes in contact with.
9. Picture/s:

ADAMSON UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering
Chemical Engineering Department
Manila
Experiment 5: Emissivity

UNIT OPERATIONS LAB 1 (51079)

Date Performed: April 11, 2019
Date Submitted: May 2, 2019

Proponents:
Briones, Justin Carl L. 201410087
Fernandez, John Martin S. 201310573
Perey, Patricia Jane L. 201512621
Perez, Butch Sundance C. 201412471
Ramos, Rem Camille C. 201410321

Instructor:
Engr. Robert E. Delfin