Angular selective
Angular Selectivity is a special case of angular dependence. Angle dependant performance simply means that the relevant property, for example, the transmittance through or reflectance from an illuminated surface takes on different numerical values for different angles of incidence.
The angle of incidence, which is often designated "theta” is the angle subtended between the normal or perpendicular plane to a given surface and a ray of incoming (incident) light. A common example is that any ordinary pane of clear glass will have its highest transmittance value (and lowest reflectance value) for theta = 0° and its lowest transmittance value (namely zero) and highest reflectance value for theta = 90°.
To define Angular Selectivity, we need to introduce a second angle, namely an azimuthal angle or "phi", which describes rotation around the surface normal in a plane parallel to the surface. It is only of interest if the surface is not homogeneous but has some structure which varies according to the azimuthal angle.
Taking a vertically mounted projection and defining the upward direction by phi = 0°, we have angle selective behaviour, because the transmittance for a given fixed theta value is different for different phi values. Using a lamella or louvre array as an example, when theta = 40 ° and phi = 0°, the transmittance is quite low, whereas for theta = 10° and phi = 180°, the transmittance is higher.
If different amounts of light are transmitted, for the same angle of incidence theta, depending on whether the light comes from above or below then the sample is angle selective. By contrast, a homogeneous material like a pane of clear glass is not angle selective; it always has the same transmittance value for a given theta, independent of the value of phi.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings.
Featured articles and news
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.