Solar Burner Tube!

thingiverse

The Solar Burner Tube gathers sunlight and focuses it at its smaller end, which should be covered with a reflective material for increased energy density. In one case, reflective tape proved effective in melting black plastic, while the tube's focus can increase sunlight's energy density by 45 times. However, caution is advised as direct eye contact with the focused light spot could cause damage and requires professional eye protection. Store the tube in a fireproof container for safety. The sun's power density on Earth is approximately 0.1 W/cm², while Laser Class 2 defines a maximum of 0.001 W as safe for the pupil surface (0.39 cm²). Thus, looking directly into the tube or a 45 times stronger light source is not recommended. The tube's effective area is calculated at 45.2 cm² with up to 4.52 W focused in 1 cm². Please review the calculations for accuracy. Additionally, creating a smooth surface on the tube is crucial for a mirroring effect, as a non-smooth surface can cause scattering and reduce effectiveness. Reflective tape from the hardware store and melting the surface with flame are suggested methods to achieve the desired smoothness.