Thermodynamics B/C Build
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Re: Thermodynamics B/C Build
Hi guys,
So it's my second year on thermodynamics and last year I did pretty well on thermo. For reference here's the equation for my build's prediction last year, usually, it was 1-3 Degrees off at most.
Final Temp = 25 + (Initial temp - 25)e^ ((0.0000848(v) -0.0212)t)
t= time, v = volume (mL)
I used aerogel thermal wrapping inside and used Styrofoam for the actual box. Most attachments were done with hot glue/ ducktape.
So, I really want to make my build even better this year and a lot of the new rules I know are going to help make it better, but does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks
So it's my second year on thermodynamics and last year I did pretty well on thermo. For reference here's the equation for my build's prediction last year, usually, it was 1-3 Degrees off at most.
Final Temp = 25 + (Initial temp - 25)e^ ((0.0000848(v) -0.0212)t)
t= time, v = volume (mL)
I used aerogel thermal wrapping inside and used Styrofoam for the actual box. Most attachments were done with hot glue/ ducktape.
So, I really want to make my build even better this year and a lot of the new rules I know are going to help make it better, but does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks
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- CookiePie1
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Re: Thermodynamics B/C Build
There's always a way to make things better. If you want, you can try gluing your device together with a stronger, more permanent adhesive. Since you have a whole season ahead of you, you could even try dabbling with vacuums and such. You can be really creative. Test-wise, you could learn more material and history. There's always something you can do to make it better.takuramen89 wrote:Hi guys,
So it's my second year on thermodynamics and last year I did pretty well on thermo. For reference here's the equation for my build's prediction last year, usually, it was 1-3 Degrees off at most.
Final Temp = 25 + (Initial temp - 25)e^ ((0.0000848(v) -0.0212)t)
t= time, v = volume (mL)
I used aerogel thermal wrapping inside and used Styrofoam for the actual box. Most attachments were done with hot glue/ ducktape.
So, I really want to make my build even better this year and a lot of the new rules I know are going to help make it better, but does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks
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2021 Events: Protein Modeling, Sounds of Music, Ornithology
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2020 Events: Protein Modeling, Ping Pong Parachute, Wright Stuff, Sounds of Music
2021 Events: Protein Modeling, Sounds of Music, Ornithology
2022 Events: TBD
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
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Re: Thermodynamics B/C Build
All of the aerogel sheets I've found contain fiberglass, which did you use?takuramen89 wrote: I used aerogel thermal wrapping inside and used Styrofoam for the actual box. Most attachments were done with hot glue/ ducktape.
- Creationist127
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Re: Thermodynamics B/C Build
If I were to build a ceramic box which holds the beaker and other insulation, what type/brand of glaze should I use to ensure maximum thermodynamicity?
2018: Hovercraft, Thermo, Coaster, Solar System
2019: Thermo, Circuit Lab, Sounds, Wright Stuff
2020: Circuit Lab, Wright Stuff, Machines
2021: Circuit Lab, Machines, WIDI, anything but Wright Stuff
Can I request that we delete 2020 from our memories and do it over again?
2019: Thermo, Circuit Lab, Sounds, Wright Stuff
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Can I request that we delete 2020 from our memories and do it over again?
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Re: Thermodynamics B/C Build
I'm not quite sure why you would want to use ceramic anywhere in your device because it is such a poor insulator compared to other commonly available materials. Imagine stepping on ceramic tile vs. carpet with your bare feet. The ceramic tile feels colder because it conducts heat away from you faster than carpet.Creationist127 wrote:If I were to build a ceramic box which holds the beaker and other insulation, what type/brand of glaze should I use to ensure maximum thermodynamicity?
South Brunswick High School Captain '22
2020 Events: Protein Modeling, Ping Pong Parachute, Wright Stuff, Sounds of Music
2021 Events: Protein Modeling, Sounds of Music, Ornithology
2022 Events: TBD
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
-Albert Einstein
2020 Events: Protein Modeling, Ping Pong Parachute, Wright Stuff, Sounds of Music
2021 Events: Protein Modeling, Sounds of Music, Ornithology
2022 Events: TBD
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
-Albert Einstein
- Creationist127
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Re: Thermodynamics B/C Build
That makes sense. Is there anything you can suggest that could be a better box (other than the obvious wood)?CookiePie1 wrote:I'm not quite sure why you would want to use ceramic anywhere in your device because it is such a poor insulator compared to other commonly available materials. Imagine stepping on ceramic tile vs. carpet with your bare feet. The ceramic tile feels colder because it conducts heat away from you faster than carpet.Creationist127 wrote:If I were to build a ceramic box which holds the beaker and other insulation, what type/brand of glaze should I use to ensure maximum thermodynamicity?
2018: Hovercraft, Thermo, Coaster, Solar System
2019: Thermo, Circuit Lab, Sounds, Wright Stuff
2020: Circuit Lab, Wright Stuff, Machines
2021: Circuit Lab, Machines, WIDI, anything but Wright Stuff
Can I request that we delete 2020 from our memories and do it over again?
2019: Thermo, Circuit Lab, Sounds, Wright Stuff
2020: Circuit Lab, Wright Stuff, Machines
2021: Circuit Lab, Machines, WIDI, anything but Wright Stuff
Can I request that we delete 2020 from our memories and do it over again?
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Re: Thermodynamics B/C Build
Insulation foam! Specially designed to insulate houses, and doesn't use fiber glass! Plus, Cabot Thermal Wrap for Aerogel w/out fiberglass! (above)
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Building-Ma ... 5yc1vZbaxx
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Building-Ma ... 5yc1vZbaxx
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Re: Thermodynamics B/C Build
Unsure if anyone has asked before, but has anyone tested using reflective or radiant barriers against heat? Are they any good, or should you just not use it and have the container tightly hug the beaker?
Thanks
Thanks

Last edited by JavaScriptCoder on November 28th, 2018, 12:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Thermodynamics B/C Build
Some insulation foams are have reflective coating on a side in order to address this. In general however, this doesn't do too much; you want to hug the beaker as closely as possible in order to increase thickness of the material
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