ANALYSIS OF RADIATIVE HEAT TRANSFER IN PARTICIPATING MEDIA USING ARBITRARY NODAL DISTRIBUTION

Abstract

A numerical procedure for solving radiative heat transfer problems within an absorbing-emitting-scattering media using variable nodal placement is presented. Based on the discrete exchange factor method, in which exchange factors are calculated from point to point (eliminating the need for multiple integrations), the procedure is shown to display good accuracy and great flexibility. Examples for irregular geometries illustrate the compatibility of the method with finite-element mesh generators. We show how local mesh refinement can be used to enhance the solution resolution in predetermined regions, which is especially important where high gradients exist. In addition, we discuss the versatility of the procedure for calculating combined-mode (i.e., radiation in the presence of conduction and/or convection) problems.