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Understanding Infrared Thermography Reading 3

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Emissivity Ɛ<br />

When using infrared thermography to measure surface temperature of a<br />

target. it is essential to know the effective emissivity (Ɛ*) of the surface<br />

material. This is the value that must be set into the instrument's menu under<br />

the specific conditions of measurement for the instrument to display an<br />

accurate surface temperature value. When attempting to make temperature<br />

measurements on a target of unknown emissivity. an estimate of emissivity<br />

may be the only available alternative. There are numerous reference tables<br />

available that list generic values of emissivity for common materials and these<br />

can be used as guides. Table 2.2 is an example of a reference table. As<br />

previously noted. emissivity depends on the material and the surface texture.<br />

It may also vary with surface temperature and with the spectral interval over<br />

which the measurement is made. These variations, though usually small ,<br />

cannot always be ignored.<br />

Charlie Chong/ Fion Zhang

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