ASTM E903 Standard Test Method for Solar Absorptance

This ASTM E903 test method is used to measure the spectral absorption, reflectance, and transmittance of materials with spectrophotometers that have integrating spheres. In order to compare findings from multiple labs or from the same lab at different periods, as well as data gathered on different materials, this test procedure is intended to offer repeatable data.

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ASTM E903 Introduction

What is ASTM E903?

This ASTM E903 test method measures the spectral absorption, reflectance, and transmittance of materials with spectrophotometers that have integrating spheres. This test procedure intends to offer repeatable data, allowing comparisons between findings from multiple labs or the same lab at different periods and data gathered on various materials.

ASTM E903 Importance

Knowledge of such properties helps to enhance the material properties that are necessary for energy efficiency, sustainability, and viability of structures in solar-irradiated regions.

ASTM E903 Scope:

The ASTM E903 testing specification outlines methods for obtaining solar-weighted properties from measured spectral values. We can test materials with both specular and diffuse optical properties. Considering the material’s texture, we must carefully test materials coated with optical coatings. When using this test method, we must account for non-uniform, textured, patterned, or corrugated sheet materials. This technique proves helpful for materials with both specular and diffuse optical characteristics.

ASTM E903 Application Areas

The application areas of the ASTM E903-96 standard test are as follows:

Solar energy system
Building materials
Automotive
Aerospace

ASTM E903 Test Procedure:

Integrating Sphere:	Samples should be typical of the materials in the application and should have uniform thickness and, hence, surface finish mainly based on the application intended.
Spectral Range	It is usually carried out in the solar spectral wavelength region of 300 to 2500 nm, incorporating most sunlight energy.
Sample Preparation:	Samples should be typical of the materials in the application, have uniform thickness, and, hence, have a surface finish mainly based on the intended application.

ASTM E903 Test Specification

This ASTM E903 test method discusses making measurements outside the human range. There are many ways to use natural sunlight as an illumination source, but most people use lights that don’t come from the sun, for example, in Practice E424. Practice E971 discusses outdoor methods that use natural sunlight that the human eye can see.

The light diffracted by gratings is usually very polarized. The orientation of the sample will affect the amount of data obtained to measure polarizing samples. You can observe polarization effects by rotating the sample at different angles that are normal to the samples during measurement.

ASTM E903 Standard Test Result:

There is a direct correlation between sun-energy absorption, reflectance, and transmittance and the performance of solar energy systems, from passive building systems to central receiver power systems. This handheld ASTM E903 test method lets one figure out these values similarly to how they would be in the real world when using such a system in the temperate zone.

ASTM E903 Test Conclusion:

The ASTM E903 specification provides detailed methods for obtaining solar-weighted properties from measured spectral values. We can use this standard to test materials exhibiting specular and diffuse optical properties. Additionally, we apply this method to materials coated with various optical coatings. In such cases, we ensure careful consideration of the texture of the tested material, as the surface characteristics can significantly impact the accuracy and reliability of the results. This comprehensive approach helps accurately evaluate different materials’ solar absorptance, reflectance, and transmittance under various conditions.

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FAQs on ASTM E903

What is ASTM E903?

This ASTM E903 test method measures the spectral absorption, reflectance, and transmittance of materials with spectrophotometers that have integrating spheres.

What is the spectral range in ASTM E903?

It is usually carried out in the solar spectral wavelength region of 300 to 2500 nm, incorporating most sunlight energy.

How is ASTM E903 used in Aerospace?

ASTM E903 is employed to test the coating and materials exposed to sunlight to understand thermal properties.

What is the significance of ASTM E903?

Knowledge of such properties helps enhance the material properties necessary for energy efficiency, sustainability, and viability of structures in solar-irradiated regions.

What type of sample is tested in ASTM E903?

Samples should be typical of the materials in use and have uniform thickness and, hence, surface polish, mainly depending on the planned application.