Generalized source term multiflux method coupled with Runge-Kutta ray tracing technique for arbitrary radiative intensity of graded-index media

The generalized source term multiflux method (GSMFM) combined with Runge-Kutta ray tracing technique is developed to calculate arbitrary directional radiative intensity of graded-index media. In this method, the finite volume method is employed to solve source terms along the curved ray path determined by the Fermat principle. Runge-Kutta ray tracing technique is adopted to obtain the ray trajectory numerical solution in graded-index media. And the GSMFM is used to solve radiative intensity to be expected. One-dimensional and two-dimensional radiative heat transfer problems are investigated to verify the performance of this method. The numerical results show that the accuracy of the GSMFM is close to that of backward Monte Carlo (BMC) method, while the efficiency of GSMFM is much higher than that of the BMC. Therefore, the GSMFM developed can be considered as a promising method to solve arbitrary radiative intensity in graded-index media.

Automated summary

The new method combining the generalized source term multiflux method and ray tracing technique is developed for calculating arbitrary directional radiative intensity. It shows a close accuracy to backward Monte Carlo method and a much higher efficiency. Therefore, this method has the potential to solve radiative intensity problems in graded-index media.