What is the most efficient radiator shape?

[Christofer Br]

What is the highest efficiency (electromagnetic) radiator shape? Meaning, a shape with the highest radiated power/volume (radiated power is in this case dependent only on surface area and how much of the radiation is reabsorbed by the radiatior)

 

[anorlunda]

Do you mean antenna design? It depends on frequency.

 

[Christofer Br]

Do you mean antenna design? It depends on frequency.

No, I mean an engine radiator, emitting infrared at about 250 Kelvin

 

[berkeman]

What is the highest efficiency (electromagnetic) radiator shape?

No, I mean an engine radiator, emitting infrared at about 250 Kelvin

That makes no sense to me.

Please help us to help you.

Do you mean like the radiator in the front of your car? Or radiators on spacecraft to shed excess heat? Please don't keep us guessing. Can you use Google Images to find an image of the kinds of "radiators" that you are asking about?

 

[Christofer Br]

That makes no sense to me.

Please help us to help you.

Do you mean like the radiator in the front of your car? Or radiators on spacecraft to shed excess heat? Please don't keep us guessing. Can you use Google Images to find an image of the kinds of "radiators" that you are asking about?

I'm talking about a radiator that exchanges heat only by thermal radiation - no convection or heat conduction *out* from it. Somewhat similar to a spacecraft radiator, but without constraints on weight and portability. I should also add that a single flat surface is not what I am after, even though it's probably the most radiative per volume.

 

[Christofer Br]

Nevermind, actually a flat, as thin as possible plane could work, and it's indeed mathematically the most efficient shape for a radiator! neat, sorry for the confusion guys :)

 

[anorlunda]

It appears that the OP answered his own question. There is nothing more to add. Thread locked.