Configuration factor, also known as the view factor or shape factor, is a dimensionless quantity used in radiative heat transfer to quantify the proportion of radiation leaving a surface that directly reaches another surface. It is crucial in calculating the heat exchange between surfaces in an enclosure, especially in thermal engineering and building design applications.

Configuration Factor

The view factor, also known as the configuration factor, quantifies the proportion of radiation leaving a surface that directly reaches another surface. It is crucial in radiative heat transfer calculations, particularly in enclosures with multiple surfaces, as it helps determine the energy exchange between surfaces based on geometry and orientation.

View Factor

Shape Factor

A dimensionless quantity is a pure number without any physical units, often arising from the ratio of two quantities with the same dimensions, allowing for comparison across different systems. These quantities are crucial in scientific fields as they provide scale-invariant insights, facilitating the understanding of physical phenomena and the derivation of universal laws.

Dimensionless Quantity

Radiative heat transfer is the process by which thermal energy is exchanged between objects through electromagnetic waves, primarily in the infrared spectrum, without the need for a physical medium. It is a fundamental mechanism of heat transfer that becomes dominant in environments such as outer space where conduction and convection are negligible.

Radiative Heat Transfer

Proportion of radiation

Heat exchange is the process of transferring thermal energy between physical systems, which can occur through conduction, convection, or radiation. It plays a crucial role in various engineering applications, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and industrial processes, by optimizing energy efficiency and maintaining desired temperature conditions.

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