Solar Thermal Advanced Research Center final technical report, January 1, 1983-December 31, 1983

The Georgia Tech Solar Thermal Advanced Research Center (STARC) program had as a primary objective: the development of a sound technology base for future solar thermal energy systems through research in specific aras related to high temperature applications. Significant improvement in conversion efficiency and future expansion in to a broadened range of commercial markets can be achieved through the use of clean, high temperature, radiant energy which can be uniquely produced by high concentration ratio, solar thermal energy systems. The emphasis is on research in those areas where an understanding or experience base is lacking in phenomena related to the behavior of materials, diagnostic techniques and direct flux absorption in a high temperature, direct solar flux environment which may be found in advanced solar thermal energy converion systems. The following research tasks: (1) high temperature window materials for solar thermal receivers; (2) high temperature ceramic materials for solar thermal receivers; (3) modeling of materials for service life and failure production; (4) surface temperature measurements in a high solar flux environment; and (5) design, construction, and testing of a direct flux entrainment reactor.