Date of Submission

Spring 2013

Academic Program

Physics

Project Advisor 1

Christian Bracher

Project Advisor 2

Matthew Deady

Abstract/Artist's Statement

A window film is a mylar based foil designed to stabilize the temperature within a room by altering the flux of visible light and infrared radiation through the window thereby reducing heating and cooling costs. This project reviews key mathematical equations behind the physics of black body radiation and develops experimental methods for testing the effectiveness of window films. Two identical thermally insulated boxes featuring a window are constructed and serve as models for buildings. These boxes are then used to perform systematic tests to gauge the effectiveness of the window films at rejecting electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths from the external environment as well as their ability to insulate and prevent radiation from exiting the internal environment through the glass. An analysis of the data in combination with physical characterizations of the material properties of the films reveals differences between various products. In a head to head comparison of two samples, the more expensive film outperforms its counterpart; however, determining which film is better for specific applications to various substrates is not so clear cut.

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