Thermal performance

We approached and exceeded 250C in the center of the test cell.  So we checked the flange temperature to make sure we weren't risking the silicone o-rings.  We got the following groovy thermal images.  Our best guess is that the o-rings are experiencing under 150C still, which allows us to keep upping the temperature test.  In the one picture you can see a nice reflection of the emitted infrared off the shiny aluminum floor on the safety shield.

The top of the safety shield is about 43C in it's hottest spot.

Unfortunately there were some bugs in the script that would automate stepping the power for calibration.  We will have to wait till nest week, to make that work.  Then we'll have it run a full cycle while we get the second one ready to do an initial test on.

 

This is the cell picture taken from the open end of the shield.

 

 

Below is the thermal infrared image from almost the same angle.  The flange is noticeably cooler than the glass.  Notice the reflections of the infrared in the smooth aluminum cradle bracket and cradle floor.

 

 

 

And here we have zoomed in to focus on the kapton tape holding the external glass therocouple.  The tape looks hotter for two reasons.  First, it absorbs more of the radiated energy from the hot wire element.  Second, the tape has a higher emissivity, so it emits the infrared better than the glass.

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