I am trying to measure thermal expansion coefficient (radial and axial) of rock using triaxial testing machine. I am having heat loss in my stack. My heaters are near my sample but still rock experiencing less heat. How can I minimize that heat loss.? Is there any paint or material I can use as radiant heat reflector.
Thank you
Dear Akshay,
you may enclose your experimental set up close to the sample by aluminium foil, such as it is used in the kitchen; perhaps the sample (partly) itself. Please place the glossy side towards your sample. Good luck.
Dr. Martens,
Thank you for your input.
We tried aluminium foil to enclose the setup, but still having the same issue. Sometimes I think, I am just measuring heat effect on strains and that not because of sample.
Wrapping the whole set up may be too much; so the surroundings will also heat up and strains show up elsewhere in addition to your sample. So you should try to wrap only your sample in Alu foil (perhaps only partly because the heater has to have access to the sample as well as the displacement senors). Contact area to the sample support should be minimized and low heat conducting material should be used (styrofoam? depends the temperature range). In addition try to avoid ( or minimize) free air convection (e.g. by placing the heart of your set up in a box).
Okay.
I will try to do as you suggested. I will wrap the aluminum only to sample area.
Thank you
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