Radiant barrier - surface geometry

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the potential impact of surface geometry on the efficiency of radiant barriers used in insulation. Specifically, the user questions whether variations such as wavy, triangular, or pyramidal shapes could enhance performance, referencing a design from Soviet electric heaters with a consistent 112-degree angle. The consensus indicates that while radiant heaters focus radiation, radiant barriers function optimally with flat surfaces. There is a lack of research supporting the effectiveness of alternative geometries for radiant barriers.

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  • Investigate the design features of Soviet electric heaters
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karlis
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Hello, first post, don't know if I got the section right tough..

Basically I was wondering, if the efficiency of radiant barrier (for home insulation or industrial, high T) could be improved with different surface geometry eg wavy, triangular, pyramids?

Why I'm wondering - the reflective surface of electric heaters produced in USSR had a traingular surface shape and the bends was 112 degrees. Always.

Is there something valuable to learn from this or was it just a design feature? Does the 112 angle provide better overall reflection or..?

Sorry, EN isn't my 1st languague..
 
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Radiant heaters try to focus the radiation, which is completely different from what a radiant barrier is doing. Flat is best for that.
 
Are there any research to support that or is it just common sense or something else?
 

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