This work summarizes the development of a dynamic measurement platform in a cryostat to measure sample temperature response to space-like conditions and the creation a MATLAB theoretical model to predict sample temperature responses in the platform itself. An interesting variable-emittance sample called a Fabry-Perot emitter was studied for its thermal homeostasis behavior using the two developments. Using the measurement platform, it was shown that there was no thermal homeostatic behavior demonstrated by the sample at steady state temperatures. Theoretical calculations show other ways to demonstrate the cooling homeostasis behavior through time-varying heat inputs. Factors within the system such as heat loss and thermal mass contributed to an inhibited sample performance in the platform. Future work will have to be conducted, not only to verify the findings of the initial experiments but also to improve the measurement platform and the theoretical model.

This paper explores to mitigate the issue of Formula SAE brakes vaporizing by creating a computational model to determine when the fluid may boil given a velocity profile and brake geometry. The paper explores various parameters and assumptions and how they may lead to error determining when the brake fluid will vaporize. Common assumptions such as a constant convection coefficient are questioned throughout the paper and compared to methods requiring higher computational power. Throughout this model, a significant dependence on the heat partition factor is found on the final steady state temperature of the brake fluid is found, and a sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the effect of its variation.

Rotary drums are used to manufacture pharmaceuticals, cement, food, and other particulate products because of their high heat and mass transfer rates. These processes are governed by particle parameters, such as particle size, particle distribution, and shape, and operating parameters, such as rotation rate and fill level. Enormous energy savings are possible with further research in rotary drums due to potential increases in operating efficiency. This study investigates the drum rotation rate on particle bed temperature at temperatures above 500 °C to see the role that radiation heat transfer plays in this process. 2 mm silica beads and a stainless steel rotary drum were used at a fill level of 25% with rotation rates from 2-10 rpm. A new setup and procedure were developed using heating coils and an IR camera to reach high temperatures. The inner drum wall temperature exceeded the outer drum wall temperature because the steel transmitted more heat into the drum at higher temperatures. Although it was unclear whether the heat transfer rate was affected by the increasing rotation rate, the highest final average particle temperature was obtained at 5 rpm. The particle bed temperature distribution narrowed as the rotation rate increased because, at higher rotation rates, more particles are in contact with the drum wall than at lower rotation rates.

Rotary drums are tools used extensively in various prominent industries for their utility in heating and transporting particulate products. These processes are often inefficient and studies on heat transfer in rotary drums will reduce energy consumption as operating parameters are optimized. Research on this subject has been ongoing at ASU; however, the design of the rotary drum used in these studies is restrictive and experiments using radiation heat transfer have not been possible.<br/><br/>This study focuses on recounting the steps taken to upgrade the rotary drum setup and detailing the recommended procedure for experimental tests using radiant heat transfer upon completed construction of the new setup. To develop an improved rotary drum setup, flaws in the original design were analyzed and resolved. This process resulted in a redesigned drum heating system, an altered thinner drum, and a larger drum box. The recommended procedure for radiant heat transfer tests is focused on determining how particle size, drum fill level, and drum rotation rate impact the radiant heat transfer rate.

Thermophotovoltaic energy conversion is seen as a viable option for efficiently converting heat to electricity. There are three key components to a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system: a heat source, a heat emitter and a photovoltaic (PV) cell. A heat source heats up the emitter which causes the emitter to release thermal radiation. The photons are absorbed by a PV cell when they are acting above the bandgap energy. The PV cell then generates electricity from this thermal radiation. In theory, efficiency of a TPV system can be well above 50%. In order for TPV to reach large-scale adaptation, an efficiency at or above 20% is needed. In this project, a high-temperature heater capable of reaching 1000K was developed. The heater involved a copper block machined to hold two cartridge heaters, as well as two thermocouples. It has an accompanying copper lid that can be screwed tight to the main block, with an emitter in between. There is an aperture to allow radiation through the casing towards the PV cell. Preliminary thermal analysis showed that the heater provides uniform temperature distribution across the emitter, which is necessary for proper radiation. A mounting system was also designed to implement the heater into the overall TPV system. Current work is being done to lower the radiation loss from the heater and mounting system, as well as implementation of all auxiliary components to begin testing. The maximum temperature of the heater, radiation heat flux received by the cell, and overall power output and efficiency of the system will be tested.