Converstion of radiant flux (watts) to temperature (C)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on quantifying the temperature at the surface of a reflector in an optical system using the Stefan-Boltzmann law. The user, JD, is experiencing degradation of the metallic coating on the reflector due to high temperatures caused by radiant flux from multiple LEDs. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding both black body and grey body behavior in thermal calculations, emphasizing the need to consider emissivity and potential heat sinks in determining equilibrium temperature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Stefan-Boltzmann law
  • Knowledge of black body and grey body radiation concepts
  • Familiarity with thermal resistance in heat transfer
  • Basic principles of optical systems and LED behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of the Stefan-Boltzmann law in practical scenarios
  • Learn about emissivity and its impact on thermal calculations
  • Explore methods for measuring radiant flux in optical systems
  • Investigate coating specifications for high-temperature applications
USEFUL FOR

Optical engineers, materials scientists, and anyone involved in the design and optimization of LED-based optical systems facing thermal management challenges.

Joel DB
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Hey all,
I'm having some unique challenges on an optical system I've created, where I'm arraying several LEDs under 1 optic/reflector. We're beginning to see major degradation of the metallic coating that is applied to the part, and I'm tyring to quanitfy the temperature (converted from radiant flux incident on the reflector surface) at the surface of the reflector. I need to know what temperatures we're seeing inside the optic so I can recommend a coating specifiation for a vendor.

Seems the internet is flooded with things, or I could rewind back to some physics textbooks, but trying the forum first, in case there are any good suggestions.

Thanks in advance,
JD
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Joel DB said:
Hey all,
I'm having some unique challenges on an optical system I've created, where I'm arraying several LEDs under 1 optic/reflector. We're beginning to see major degradation of the metallic coating that is applied to the part, and I'm tyring to quanitfy the temperature (converted from radiant flux incident on the reflector surface) at the surface of the reflector. I need to know what temperatures we're seeing inside the optic so I can recommend a coating specifiation for a vendor.

Seems the internet is flooded with things, or I could rewind back to some physics textbooks, but trying the forum first, in case there are any good suggestions.

Thanks in advance,
JD

In the most basic case of only radiative emission I'd say you could simply consider the Stefan-Boltzmann law:

$$J=\sigma T^4$$

where J is your incoming flux by unit of surface and ##\sigma## is a known physical constant. Of course this assumes black body behaviour and no other forms of heat dispersion. If you assume a grey body (namely that your optic reflects and absorbs equal percentages of radiation at all wavelengths) nothing really changes because if J is the flux you already know is coming then both sides of the equation get multiplied by the emissivity ##\epsilon##. If instead you add another 'sink' of heat, like some conduction mechanism with thermal resistance R, then you have

$$\epsilon J = \epsilon \sigma T^4 + \frac{(T-T_{room})}{R}$$

and that further lowers your equilibrium temperature.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
6K
  • · Replies 89 ·
3
Replies
89
Views
38K