When is a dome a dome? Newbie Forum Discuss When is a dome a dome? in the Good Background Information forums; To avoid laying too many bricks, I'm considering a square cupola Additionally, with the right angles on the sidewalls, I ...

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To avoid laying too many bricks, I'm considering a square cupola
Additionally, with the right angles on the sidewalls, I also think it's possible a mortarless design may work. And, of course, if you do the math you could also make a low-dome design.

But, to the point: when is a dome a dome?
I mean, the angles are there for heat radiance and also gas direction, and with the natural turbulence of fire, I'd expect some kind of averaging effect with respect to hot/cold spots within the pseudo dome. So, I'm thinking a square cupola might actually "work" for even heat distribution.

What say you???