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Understanding Infrared Thermography Reading 3

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Radiant Energy Related to Target Surface Temperature<br />

All target surfaces warmer than absolute zero radiate energy in the infrared<br />

spectrum. Figure 1.6 shows the spectral distribution of energy radiating from<br />

various idealized target surfaces as a function of surface temperature (T) and<br />

wavelength (A.). Very hot targets radiate in the visible as well, and our eyes<br />

can see this because they are sensitive to light. The sun, for example, is at a<br />

temperature of about 6000 K and appears to glow white bot. The heating<br />

element of an electric stove at 800 K glows a cherry red and, as it cools, it<br />

loses its visible glow but continues to radiate. This radiant energy can be felt<br />

with a hand placed near the surface even though the glow is invisible. The<br />

idealized curves shown in Figure 1.6 are for perfect radiators known as<br />

blackbodies. Blackbodies are defined and discussed in greater detail later in<br />

this chapter. Figure 1.6 also shows two key physical laws regarding infrared<br />

energy emitted from surfaces.<br />

Charlie Chong/ Fion Zhang

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