Final answer:
To achieve a larger reduction in heat transfer, the shield with lower emissivity should face the hotter plate. To maximize the shield temperature, the higher emissivity side should face the hotter plate.
Step-by-step explanation:
To reduce the rate of heat transfer by radiation between two large parallel plates with temperatures T1 and T2, where T1 > T2, a thin shield with different emissivities on opposite surfaces is introduced. The correct orientation of the shield is crucial for it to be effective.
- (a) Reducing Heat Transfer
The shield should be oriented so that the surface with the lower emissivity (ε s) faces the hotter plate (T1). This setup will lead to a larger reduction in heat transfer because the lower emissivity surface will emit less radiation towards the hotter plate, compared to the side with an emissivity of 2ε s.
- (b) Maximizing Shield Temperature
If the goal is to attain a higher temperature for the shield itself (ε s), it should be oriented so that the higher emissivity surface (2ε s) faces the hotter plate (T1). The higher emissivity allows the shield to absorb more radiation from the hotter plate, consequently increasing the shield's temperature.