A methodology for determining radiation form factors applied to particular plane-sphere configuration

Abstract

The form factor must be calculated when designing ovens and mechanisms heating or cooling systems by radiation, leading to determining heat transfer by radiation between surfaces which are at different temperatures. Heat transfer texts generally deduce and show the equation for obtaining the form factor between two surfaces which exchange heat by radiation for very simple configurations, but do not show how slightly more complex geometries and configurations are calculated. Many students who have studied heat transfer have the impression that form factors are calculated without any difficulty. Other students ask why the texts do not show how to calculate the form factor for slightly more complex configurations or for those which are more real. This document tries to answer these disquietudes as well as presenting a calculation strategy for purely pedagogical ends which can be applied to more complex configurations.