A calorimeter for determining radiation and convection in small-scale combustions

Abstract

A "bench-top" calorimeter was constructed to determine the radiation-convection partition of energy released in the burning of fuel. Samples of 1 to 2 g, no larger than 4 cm in horizontal dimension, and with flame height less than 15 cm, can be accommodated. The apparatus functions by (1) absorbing radiant energy from the burning fuel in an insulated thin aluminum shell whose temperature rise is recorded by a series of imbedded thermocouples, and (2) measuring convective energy by recording the electric power required to heat an air stream so that it just balances the flow rate and temperature of gases convected from the combustion zone. The apparatus can be used with both liquid and solid fuels and for both glowing and flaming modes of combustion.

Citation

McCarter, R.J.; Broido, A. 1966. A calorimeter for determining radiation and convection in small-scale combustions. Pyrodynamics. 4: 191-203.