Patent ID: 7417728
Filing Date: 2008-08-26
Classification: G01J,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for determining a concentration factor for an outdoor accelerated weathering device, the method comprising: orienting a first light collection device on a target board of the outdoor accelerated weathering device for exposure to concentrated sunlight; orienting a second light collection device on an upper surface of the outdoor accelerated weathering device for exposure to direct sunlight, wherein the first and second light collection devices are substantially identical; channeling the concentrated sunlight from the first light collection device and the direct sunlight from the second light collection device to a switch; actuating the switch between a first operative position and a second operative position such that one of the concentrated sunlight from the first light collection device and the direct sunlight from the second light collection device is directed to a common sampling structure in the first operative position and an other of the concentrated sunlight from the first light collection device and the direct sunlight from the second light collection device is directed to the common sampling structure in the second operative position; orienting a spectral measuring device to observe the concentrated sunlight and direct sunlight on the common sampling structure as the switch is actuated between the first and second operative positions; recording a first solar spectral power distribution (“SSPD”) from the common sampling structure when the switch is in the first operative position; recording a second SSPD from the common sampling structure when the switch is in the second operative position; comparing the first SSPD to the second SSPD to determine a concentration factor of the outdoor accelerated weathering device.