Evaluation of Refraction Errors in Interferometric Heat Transfer Studies

Abstract
An evaluation of light refraction errors in interferometric heat transfer studies is reported. The differential equation describing the path of a light ray passing through an arbitrary thermal boundary layer surrounding a heated surface has been solved using numerical techniques. Results for cubic and parabolic temperature profiles have been presented. The method of analysis reported is of particular value in the estimation of the refraction errors in an experimental unit if an approximation of the temperature distribution in the boundary can be made. It is noted that these errors may be minimized by careful design of the test section. In many cases it is also possible to use these techniques to correct actual interferometric data for refraction errors.

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