Thermodynamics Lab
Problem and constraints
The objective of this project is to design and test renewable composite insulation material. Materials used must represent good insulating value, be less than or equal to one inch in thickness, have a consistant composition, be enivromentaly friendly/biodegradable, and cannot exceed the measurements of the top of the box. We used a heat box apparatus, LoggerPro software, two temperature probes, a ruler, and our insulation materials.
Brainstorming
After establishing our constraints, we got together in a small group and started to share ideas. I wrote down a few ideas that we had shared and we picked a couple to bring for the next class. We ended up doing our first experiment on a space blanket and our second experiment on
Documentation and calculations
The first thing that we did before actually conducting the experiment was measure the inside volume of the box which came to a total of 36.20 cubic meters. We then found the mass of air being heated by multiplying the inside volume by the density of air, which is 1.20 kg/m3, and it ended up being 4343.37 Kg. Next, we put in the two metal probes and measured different temperatures both inside and outside of the box. We then turned the 75 Watt light bulb on for 20 minutes and recorded the temperature rise inside and outside of the box with LoggerPro.
Final results
Our results show that our space blanket used as an insulator wasn't the greatest choice in material. The temperature dropped significantly at the beginning and slowed down about ten minutes into the experiment. Although the drop in temperature was large, the space blanket insulation was able to keep the box warmer inside than the outside temperature, meaning that it somewhat worked.
The temperature on the inside decreased 25.4*C while the temperature outside of the box dropped 1.6*C.
The temperature on the inside decreased 25.4*C while the temperature outside of the box dropped 1.6*C.
Reflection
Our space blanket probably wasn't the best choice to use as an insulator because it was thin and metalic. Metal has a way of conducting heat so it's not going to be a great choice for insulation. If we used something thicker and more solid we could have kept the heat from the lightbulb in a lot better. Insulation is important because it keeps heat inside buildings so energy and money isn't wasted on reheating these buildings. Insulation isn't always just found in walls. For example, winter coats keep body heat from escaping the body. Insulation can also keep heat out so it will stay cool inside of the insulated area.