Transient Heat Measurements: A Transducer Model

Although often neglected in bioinstrumentation courses, direct calorimetry has important biomedical, biophysical, and clinical implications. Since direct calorimeters are usually considered somewhat esoteric, a simplified analysis of their design and operation is useful. Therefore, an electrical analog of the thermopile lattice common to most direct calorimeters was developed. This model can be used to derive the transfer function of the direct calorimeter, and through digital computer simulation, can aid in the design of specialized instruments. Engineering students can readily understand and use this model making the study of direct calorimetry practical in a teaching context.