Predict the Behavior of Blackbody Heated Surfaces(DRC-015-017)

<p>Many areas of science and engineering require an understanding of the radiation that emits from a heated surface. Specifically, there is a need to calculate the radiation's intensity and spectral distribution for thermal radiation heat transfer, infrared signature analysis, and radiation thermometry. Furthermore, being able to predict the heat transfer rate and the spectral distribution of the emitted energy for the blackbody is particularly helpful.</p><p>The need for these capabilities led researchers at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center to develop a set of computer functions that can be used in predicting the behavior of heated surfaces. In addition, the routines enable engineers to use information regarding spectral intensities to determine surface temperatures. They can also calculate the sensitivity of these temperature measurements to unknowns in the input parameters. NASA wrote these routines in Microsoft&#174; Visual Basic&#174; for Applications (VBA) software and incorporated functions specific to Microsoft Excel&#174; software.</p><p>BENEFITS</p><p> * Full spectrum: Enables calculation of important function derivatives and integration of the blackbody function over a range of wavelengths</p><p> * Portable: Can be integrated with other engineering software</p><p> * Easy to use: Based on widely available computer software tools from the Microsoft suite</p><p>POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS</p><p>In addition to aerospace applications, this software is useful for researchers developing new materials and other technologies to be used in a wide range of applications:</p><p> * Thermal management: Integrated circuits, computer chassis, remote sensors</p><p> * Heat shields: Automotive, appliances, safety equipment</p><p> * Insulation: Architecture, textiles/clothing</p><p> * Energy storage: Collecting/Storing thermal energy</p><p> * Monitoring: Infrared-based surveillance</p><p> * Earth/Planetary science: Understanding the composition of clouds, volcanoes, etc.</p><p>Microsoft, Visual Basic, and Excel are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.</p>