Adjoint problem of radiative transfer for a pseudo-spherical atmosphere and general viewing geometries

We formulate the adjoint radiative transfer for a pseudo-spherical atmosphere and various retrieval scenarios. The single scattering radiance is computed in a spherical atmosphere by using the source integration technique, while for the multiple scattering radiance we formulate an one-dimensional adjoint radiative transfer equation in a plane-parallel atmosphere. The adjoint solution of the radiative transfer equation is obtained by employing the discrete ordinate method with matrix exponential. We provide an abbreviated derivation of our formalism as well as a discussion of the numerical implementation of the theory.     

Matrix formulations of radiative transfer including the polarization effect in a coupled atmosphere-ocean system

A vector radiative transfer model has been developed for a coupled atmosphere-ocean system. The radiative transfer scheme is based on the discrete ordinate and matrix operator methods. The reflection/transmission matrices and source vectors are obtained for each atmospheric or oceanic layer through the discrete ordinate solution. The vertically inhomogeneous system is constructed using the matrix operator method, which combines the radiative interaction between the layers. This radiative transfer scheme is flexible for a vertically inhomogeneous system including the oceanic layers as well as the ocean surface. Compared with the benchmark results, the computational error attributable to the radiative transfer scheme has been less than 0.1% in the case of eight discrete ordinate directions. Furthermore, increasing the number of discrete ordinate directions has produced computations with higher accuracy. Based on our radiative transfer scheme, simulations of sun glint radiation have been presented for wavelengths of 670 nm and 1.6 μm. Results of simulations have shown reasonable characteristics of the sun glint radiation such as the strongly peaked, but slightly smoothed radiation by the rough ocean surface and depolarization through multiple scattering by the aerosol-loaded atmosphere. The radiative transfer scheme of this paper has been implemented to the numerical model named Pstar as one of the OpenCLASTR/STAR radiative transfer code systems, which are widely applied to many radiative transfer problems, including the polarization effect.     

Simultaneous derivation of intensities and weighting functions in a general pseudo-spherical discrete ordinate radiative transfer treatment

The retrieval of atmospheric constituents from measurements of backscattered light requires a radiative transfer forward model that can simulate both intensities and weighting functions (partial derivatives of intensity with respect to atmospheric parameters being retrieved). The radiative transfer equation is solved in a multi-layer multiply-scattering atmosphere using the discrete ordinate method. In an earlier paper dealing with the upwelling top-of-the-atmosphere radiation field, it was shown that a full internal perturbation analysis of the plane-parallel discrete ordinate solution leads in a natural way to the simultaneous generation of analytically-derived weighting functions with respect to a wide range of atmospheric variables. In the present paper, a more direct approach is used to evaluate explicitly all partial derivatives of the intensity field. A generalization of the post-processing function is developed for the derivation of weighting functions at arbitrary optical depth and stream angles for both upwelling and downwelling directions. Further, a complete treatment is given for the pseudo-spherical approximation of the direct beam attenuation; this is an important extension to the range of viewing geometries encountered in practical radiative transfer applications. The numerical model LIDORT developed for this work is able to generate intensities and weighting functions for a wide range of retrieval scenarios, in addition to the passive remote sensing application from space. We present a number of examples in an atmosphere with O₃ absorption in the UV, for satellite (upwelling radiation) and ground-based (downwelling radiation) applications. In particular, we examine the effect of various pseudo-spherical parameterizations on backscatter intensities and weighting functions with respect to O₃ volume mixing ratio. In addition, the use of layer-integrated multiple scatter output from the model is shown to be important for satellite instruments with wide-angle off-nadir viewing geometries.     

The phase-integral method for radiative transfer problems with highly-peaked phase functions

Complete solutions to the radiative transfer equation, including both azimuth and depth dependence are provided by the discrete ordinate method of Chandrasekhar, but these solutions are often limited because of large computer requirements. This paper presents a “phase-integral” method which greatly reduces the number of discrete ordinates needed in the solution for highly-peaked phase functions. A composite quadrature method is shown to be effective in further reducing the number of discrete ordinates required for highly anisotropic phase functions. Examples are given to indicate convergence requirements and expected accuracy in the complete solution for Henyey-Greenstein and cloud-type phase functions.     

VLIDORT: A linearized pseudo-spherical vector discrete ordinate radiative transfer code for forward model and retrieval studies in multilayer multiple scattering media

We describe a new vector discrete ordinate radiative transfer model with a full linearization facility. The VLIDORT model is designed to generate simultaneous output of Stokes vector light fields and their derivatives with respect to any atmospheric or surface property. We develop new implementations for the linearization of the vector radiative transfer solutions, and go on to show that the complete vector discrete ordinate solution is analytically differentiable for a stratified multilayer multiply scattering atmospheric medium. VLIDORT will generate all output at arbitrary viewing geometry and optical depth. The model has the ability to deal with attenuation of solar and line-of-sight paths in a curved atmosphere, and includes an exact treatment of the single scatter computation. VLIDORT also contains a linearized treatment for non-Lambertian surfaces. A number of performance enhancements have been implemented, including a facility for multiple solar zenith angle output. The model has been benchmarked against established results in the literature.     

On the computation of angular distributions of radiation in planetary atmospheres

The discrete ordinate approximation to the radiative transfer equation is used to derive simple analytic expressions for the intensity in a vertically inhomogeneous plane parallel atmosphere. This approach allows one to compute the intensity at arbitrary depths and angles. The merit and soundness of these expressions, which are interpolatory in nature, are discussed and it is conjectured that they are superior to any other standard interpolation scheme as far as accuracy is concerned. The computational time also compares favorably with that of standard interpolation schemes such as cubic splines.     

Modifications of discrete ordinate method for computations with high scattering anisotropy: Comparative analysis

A numerical accuracy analysis of the radiative transfer equation (RTE) solution based on separation of the diffuse light field into anisotropic and smooth parts is presented. The analysis uses three different algorithms based on the discrete ordinate method (DOM). Two methods, DOMAS and DOM2+, that do not use the truncation of the phase function, are compared against the TMS-method. DOMAS and DOM2+ use the Small-Angle Modification of RTE and the single scattering term, respectively, as anisotropic parts. The TMS method uses the Delta-M method for truncation of the phase function along with the single scattering correction. For reference, a standard discrete ordinate method, DOM, is also included in analysis. The obtained results for cases with high scattering anisotropy show that at low number of streams (16, 32) only DOMAS provides an accurate solution in the aureole area. Outside aureole, the convergence and accuracy of DOMAS, and TMS is found to be approximately similar: DOMAS was found more accurate in cases with coarse aerosol and liquid water cloud models, except low optical depth, while the TMS showed better results in case of ice cloud.     

Iterative approach of high-order scattering solution for vector radiative transfer of inhomogeneous random media

By stratifying a random scatter media into multiple thin layers in the vertical z direction, the first-order scattering solution of each thin layer is employed to derive high-order scattering solution of whole random media. Using the Fourier transform and Mueller matrices in discrete ordinates, an iterative approach to solve high-order scattering solution of vector radiative transfer (VRT) equation is newly developed. Numerical results are well compared with the Mueller matrix solutions of the first order for a single layer medium, second order for a half-space, and the results of the discrete ordinate and eigen analysis method. It demonstrates our approach as feasible, effective and especially applicable to high-order solution of VRT for both bistatic scattering and thermal emission of inhomogeneous non-spherical scatter media.     

求解辐射传递方程的离散坐标法

阐述了含吸收散射性介质三维空腔内辐射传递方程的离散坐标解法。讨论了入射散射项积分格式的选取,以及假散射和射线效应对解精度的影响。对三维矩形炉膛内辐射传递过程进行了数值模拟,并与区域法和离散传递法进行比较。比较结果表明离散坐标法具有较好的精度,是目前燃烧室内辐射传热过程数值模拟的一种较好的方法。     

Simple computer solution of coupled power equations

A numerical method for solution of the coupled power equations in multimode optical fibres is presented. The method is based on the assumption that the contribution of weak mode coupling can be concentrated into discrete points along the fibre. The matrix form of the solution is derived, the accuracy of the method is briefly discussed and an example of practical results is also shown.     

Radiation transfer in absorbing-scattering liquids—II. Comparisons of measurements with predictions

Comparisons have been made between measured and predicted results for the radiation field in both highly absorbing and scattering aqueous suspensions with a highly reflecting or absorbing bottom. Predictions were based on a discrete ordinate solution to the equation of transfer, with the requisite properties (extinction coefficient, absorption coefficient and scattering phase function) obtained from measurements performed on samples extracted from the suspensions. All trends in the data were predicted by the model, although poor numerical agreement was obtained for suspensions of large albedo and extinction coefficient. The disagreement is attributed to the effect of multiple scattering on the property measurements.     

A new approach to the retrieval of surface properties from earthshine measurements

Instruments such as the MODIS and MISR radiometers on EOS AM-1, and POLDER on ADEOS have been deployed for the remote sensing retrieval of surface properties. Typically, retrieval algorithms use linear combinations of semi-empirical bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) kernels to model surface reflectance. The retrieval proceeds in two steps; first, an atmospheric correction relates surface BRDF to top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectances, then regression is used to establish the linear coefficients used in the kernel combination. BRDF kernels may also depend on a number of physical or empirical non-linear parameters (e.g. ocean wind speed for a specular BRDF); such parameters are usually assumed known. A major source of error in this retrieval comes from lack of knowledge of planetary boundary layer (PBL) aerosol properties.In this paper, we present a different approach to surface property retrieval. For the radiative transfer simulations, we use the discrete ordinate LIDORT model, which has the capability to generate simultaneous fields of radiances and weighting functions in a multiply scattering multi-layer atmosphere. Surface-atmosphere coupling due to multiple scattering and reflection effects is treated in full; the use of an atmospheric correction is not required. Further, it is shown that sensitivities of TOA reflectances to both linear and non-linear surface BRDF parameters may be established directly by explicit analytic differentiation of the discrete ordinate radiative transfer equations. Surface properties may thus be retrieved directly and conveniently from satellite measurements using standard non-linear fitting methods. In the fitting for BRDF parameters, lower-boundary aerosol properties can either be retrieved as auxiliary parameters, or they can be regarded as forward model parameter errors. We present examples of simulated radiances and surface/aerosol weighting functions for combinations of multi-angle measurements at several different wavelengths, and we perform some examples of self-consistent non-linear fitting to demonstrate feasibility for this kind of surface property retrieval.     

Discrete-ordinate method with matrix exponential for a pseudo-spherical atmosphere: Scalar case

We present a discrete-ordinate algorithm using the matrix-exponential solution for pseudo-spherical radiative transfer. Following the finite-element technique we introduce the concept of layer equation and formulate the discrete radiative transfer problem in terms of the level values of the radiance. The layer quantities are expressed by means of matrix exponentials, which are computed by using the matrix eigenvalue method and the Padé approximation. These solution methods lead to a compact and versatile formulation of the radiative transfer. Simulated nadir and limb radiances for an aerosol-loaded atmosphere and a cloudy atmosphere are presented along with a discussion of the model intercomparisons and timings.     

Application of the RBF meshless method to the solution of the radiative transport equation

In this paper, we introduce a radial basis function collocation method for computing solutions to the time-dependent radiative transfer equation. For these computations, we use finite differences to discretize the time coordinate, a discrete ordinate method to discretize the directional variable, and an expansion in radial basis functions to approximate the spatial dependence of the solution. The main advantages of the RBF method are that it does not require any mesh or grid, achieves spectral accuracy in multi-dimensions for arbitrary node layouts, and it is extremely simple to implement.     

一维辐射系统吸收系数的反问题

辐射反问题是当前的研究热点之一。本文采用离散坐标法求解正问题,用共轭梯度法求解一维系统吸收系数的反问题。用正问题的计算结果加上误差作为反问题的求解条件。数值计算的结果表明,共轭梯度法可以比较好的反演辐射系统的吸收系数。在考虑散射时,反演效果比不考虑散射的反演效果好。     

Thermal calculation for a furnace with three-tiered near-wall burners

The paper considers using a differential method for thermal calculation of a furnace with finding the thermal and aerodynamic parameters within the radiation chamber of a tube furnace. The furnace is equipped with acoustictype burners allocated in three tiers on the lateral walls. The method implies joint numerical solution of 2D radiation transfer equations using the S ₂-approximation of the discrete ordinate method, of energy equations, flow equations, k-ε turbulence model, and single-stage modeling of gas fuel combustion. Typical results of simulation are presented.     

考虑转动能的一维/二维Boltzmann-Rykov模型方程数值算法

研究考虑转动能的Boltzmann-Rykov模型方程,基于转动自由度对气体分子速度分布函数矩积分,引入约化速度分布函数,应用离散速度坐标法与数值积分技术,将气体运动论模型方程化为在离散速度坐标点处关于三个约化速度分布函数的联立方程组.应用拓展计算流体力学有限差分方法,数值计算考虑转动自由度的双原子气体一维、二维Boltzmann模型方程,得到高、低Knudsen数一维激波管内流动和二维竖直平板绕流问题的流场,分析验证考虑转动能的Boltzmann-Rykov模型方程全流域统一算法求解一维/二维气体流动问题的可靠性.结果表明,气体稀薄程度与分子内自由度对流场具有较大影响,且Knudsen数较高的稀薄气体流动呈现严重的非平衡流动特点.     

Gas-kinetic numerical studies of three-dimensional complex flows on spacecraft re-entry

The gas-kinetic numerical algorithm solving the Boltzmann model equation is extended and developed to study the three-dimensional hypersonic flows of spacecraft re-entry into the atmosphere in perfect gas. In this study, the simplified velocity distribution function equation for various flow regimes is presented on the basis of the kinetic Boltzmann–Shakhov model. The discrete velocity ordinate technique and numerical quadrature methods, such as the Gauss quadrature formulas with the weight function 2/π^1/2exp(?V²) and the Gauss–Legendre numerical quadrature rule, are studied to resolve the barrier in simulating complex flows from low Mach numbers to hypersonic problems. Specially, the gas-kinetic finite-difference scheme is constructed for the computation of three-dimensional flow problems, which directly captures the time evolution of the molecular velocity distribution function. The gas-kinetic boundary conditions and numerical procedures are studied and implemented by directly acting on the velocity distribution function. The HPF (high performance fortran) parallel implementation technique for the gas-kinetic numerical method is developed and applied to study the hypersonic flows around three-dimensional complex bodies. The main purpose of the current research is to provide a way to extend the gas-kinetic numerical algorithm to the flow computation of three-dimensional complex hypersonic problems with high Mach numbers. To verify the current method and simulate gas transport phenomena covering various flow regimes, the three-dimensional hypersonic flows around sphere and spacecraft shape with different Knudsen numbers and Mach numbers are studied by HPF parallel computing. Excellent results have been obtained for all examples computed.     

Numerical approach for reflections and transmittance of finite plane-parallel absorbing and scattering medium subjected to normal and diffuse incidence

The discrete ordinate method (DOM) is used to analyze the radiative energy transfer in one-dimensional absorbing, scattering and non-emitting planar slab subjected to normal and diffuse incidence. To improve the ability of DOM to treat complex scattering phase function, a revision of DOM is presented. The reflectance and transmittance of a semitransparent planar slab is calculated by the DOM. The results are compared with the exact values and the solution arrived at other approximate method. It is shown that the DOM has a good accuracy in solving the reflectance and transmittance of a semitransparent planar slab, and can easily treat the complex scattering phase function.