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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                                                                                                                                                                                              

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                                                                                                                                                                                              

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: I used aerogel thermal wrapping inside and used Styrofoam for the actual box. Most attachments were done with hot glue/ ducktape.

All of the aerogel sheets I've found contain fiberglass, which did you use?

Cabot thermal wrap
http://www.cabotcorp.com/solutions/prod ... el/blanket

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?

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?

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.

CookiePie1 wrote:

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?

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.

That makes sense. Is there anything you can suggest that could be a better box (other than the obvious wood)?

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

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

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