Date of Award
6-1924
Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Physics
Chief Instructor
Robert H. Goddard
Keywords
radiant energy, cylindrical boilers
Abstract
Ordinarily, when radiant energy is absorbed for utilization, the absorber is in the shape of a cylindrical tube where either the whole surface of the tube is utilized as an absorber and the energy is reflected by a circular parabolic mirror; or half of the cross-section is used and the other half is protected by various kinds of insulators, this latter being in most general use. The present experiments were carried out to investigate what possible increase in efficiency could be obtained by departing from this practice in using another shape of absorber. It consisted in determining the absorption of radiant energy by various differently shaped surfaces as compared with that of a right circular cylinder.
Recommended Citation
Riffolt, Nils A., "A Study in the Absorption of Radiant Energy" (1924). Historical Dissertations & Theses. 72.
https://commons.clarku.edu/hist_disstheses/72
Comments
Nils Riffolt worked with Robert Goddard as far back as the late 1910s as a mechanic in Clark University's physics workshop. He worked very closely with Goddard in 1922-1924 as his machinist.