PROBLEM 13.

1
KNOWN: Various geometric shapes involving two areas A 1 and A 2 .
FIND: Shape factors, F 12 and F 21 , for each configuration.

SCHEMATIC:

ASSUMPTIONS: (1) Surfaces are diffuse, (2) Length normal to the page is large compared to other
dimensions.

ANALYSIS: The analysis is not to make use of tables or charts. The approach involves use of the
reciprocity relation, Eq. 13.3, and summation rule, Eq. 13.4. Recognize that reciprocity applies to two
surfaces; summation applies to an enclosure. Certain shape factors can be identified by inspection.
Note that L is the length normal to page.

(a) Small sphere, A 1 , under concentric hemisphere, A 2 , where A 2 = 3A 1 :

Summation rule , F11 + F12 + F13 =

1

But F 12 = F 13 by symmetry, hence F 12 = 0.50 <

By reciprocity, F21 =
A1
F12 =
A1
× 0.5 = 0.167 <
A2 3A1

(b) Long duct:

By inspection, F12 = 1.0 <

By reciprocity,
A
F21 = 1 F12 =
2RL 2
× 1.0 = = 0.637 <
A2 π RL π

Summation rule, F 22 = 1 – F 21 = 1 – 0.637 = 0.363 <

Continued…
 PROBLEM 13.1 (Cont.)

(c) Long inclined plates (point B directly above center of A 1 ):

Summation rule, F11 + F12 + F13 =

1

But F 12 = F 13 by symmetry, hence F 12 = 0.50 <

By reciprocity, F=
21
A1
F=
12
220L
1/2
× 0.5
= 0.740 <
A2 1102 + 1002  L
 

(d) Long cylinder on infinite plate:

Summation rule, F 11 + F 12 + F 13 = 1
But F 12 = F 13 by symmetry, hence F 12 = 0.5 <
By reciprocity, F21
=
A1
F12 → 0 since A2 → ∞ <
A2

(e) Hemisphere-disk arrangement:

By inspection, F 12 = 1.0 <

A1  π (D / 4)2 
F21
By reciprocity,= = F12  =
2
×1 0.125 <
A2 2π (D / 2)
 

Continued…
 PROBLEM 13.1 (Cont.)

(f) Long, open channel:

Summation rule, F 11 + F 12 + F 13 = 1
But F 12 = F 13 by symmetry, hence F 12 = 0.5 <
A1  2L 
Reciprocity, F=
21 F=
12   × 0.5
= 0.637 <
A2  (π / 2 ) L 
(g) Long cylinders with A 2 = 4A 1 ,

By inspection, F 12 = 1.0 <

A1
By reciprocity, F21
= F12
= 0.25 ×=
1 0.25 <
A2

Summation rule, F 21 + F 22 = 1, hence F 22 = 0.75 <

(h) Long square rod in long cylinder:

By inspection, F 12 = 1.0 <

A1  4L ( D / 5 ) 
F21
By reciprocity,= = F12  =  ×1 0.255 <
A2  Lπ D 
Summation rule, F 21 + F 22 = 1, hence F 22 = 0.745 <
Continued…
 PROBLEM 13.1 (Cont.)

COMMENTS: (1) Note that the summation rule is applied to an enclosure. To complete the
enclosure, it was necessary, in several cases, to define a third surface which was shown by dashed
lines. (2) Recognize that the solutions follow a systematic procedure; in many instances it is possible
to deduce a shape factor by inspection.