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.     

Complete matrix solution of radiative transfer equation for PILE of horizontally homogeneous slabs

This article covers the analytical solution of the discretized radiative transfer equation in the matrix form. The equation is discretized according to the discrete ordinates method. The solution is based on the representation of the light field in a scattering medium as a superposition of an anisotropic and a smooth regular parts. The first of them is calculated analytically using the smoothness of the solution angular spectrum. The regular part is obtained from a radiative transfer equation boundary problem with the anisotropic part as a source function by discrete ordinates method with a scaling transformation and a matrix-operator method applied. There is no limitation of the scattering law in a medium.     

On the finite volume method and the discrete ordinates method regarding radiative heat transfer in acute forward anisotropic scattering media

The ability of the finite volume method (FVM) and the discrete ordinates method (DOM) to model radiative heat transfer in acute forward anisotropic scattering media has been investigated. The test case involves a purely scattering medium in a cubic enclosure, irradiated by one boundary with diffuse emission. Four phase functions have been considered: three of the Henyey-Greenstein type with respective asymmetry factors of 0.2, 0.8 and 0.93, and a Mie phase function with a strong forward scattering peak (computed for a size parameter of 245 and corresponding to an asymmetry factor of 0.93). Results obtained with the FVM are in good agreement with Monte Carlo reference solutions, whatever the level of acute anisotropic scattering (for asymmetry factors up to 0.93). The DOM combined with the renormalization procedures of the phase function proposed by Kim and Lee (Effect of anisotropic scattering on radiative heat transfer in two-dimensional rectangular enclosures. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 1988;31:1711-21. [1]) and Wiscombe (On initialization error and flux conservation in the doubling method. JQSRT 1976;18:637-58. [2]) provides accurate results only for the smallest asymmetry factor. As the asymmetry factor increases, the renormalization procedures induce strong modifications in the values of the discretized phase function resulting in an underestimation of the effective attenuation by scattering. This error has been found to increase with optical thickness. In fact, when using the DOM, results would be more accurate combining this method with a Delta-Eddington approximation of the phase function, instead of using the actual phase function which is altered too much by renormalization.     

Space-angle distribution of the reflected charged particles adjusted for spin calculations

The efficiency of the proposed method of solution for the spin-considered highly anisotropic multiple scattering problem is based, following optics, upon the admission that the complete solution of the vectorial transport equation boundary problem is the superposition of the anisotropic and smooth parts, calculated separately. We use a vectorial small angle modification of the spherical harmonics method to evaluate the anisotropic part and the vectorial discrete ordinates method to obtain a smooth one. Some calculation examples for reflected radiation are given.     

The discrete ordinates method for anisotropic scattering in the neutron transport theory: The critical sphere problem

The spherical harmonics method for anisotropic scattering in the neutron transport theory related to the critical sphere problem was investigated by Yildiz [The spherical harmonics method for anisotropic scattering in neutron transport theory: the critical sphere problem. JQSRT 2001;71:25-37]. Some numerical results and figures that they provided are incorrect. The correct numerical results for the critical radius are obtained and tabulated for different scattering parameters by using the discrete ordinates method.     

Linearization of the interaction principle: Analytic Jacobians in the “Radiant” model

In this paper we present a new linearization of the Radiant radiative transfer model. Radiant uses discrete ordinates for solving the radiative transfer equation in a multiply-scattering anisotropic medium with solar and thermal sources, but employs the adding method (interaction principle) for the stacking of reflection and transmission matrices in a multilayer atmosphere. For the linearization, we show that the entire radiation field is analytically differentiable with respect to any surface or atmospheric parameter for which we require Jacobians (derivatives of the radiance field). Derivatives of the discrete ordinate solutions are based on existing methods developed for the LIDORT radiative transfer models. Linearization of the interaction principle is completely new and constitutes the major theme of the paper. We discuss the application of the Radiant model and its linearization in the Level 2 algorithm for the retrieval of columns of carbon dioxide as the main target of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) mission.     

On equivalent diffuse conditions for an internal layer in multislab atmospheric radiation

This paper reports on new discrete ordinates conditions for efficiently solving a set of multislab atmospheric radiation problems characterized by an optically stationary internal layer, i.e. an internal layer whose optical (absorption/scattering) properties and optical thickness do not change from one problem to another in the set. The discrete ordinates conditions reported here are founded in a recently developed spectral nodal method for solving multislab atmospheric radiation problems with anisotropic scattering. We suitably use the optically discretized equations of our recently developed spectral nodal method to derive discrete ordinates diffuse conditions, which model the response—diffuse radiation leaving the layer—of an internal layer to an anisotropic inner source and to diffuse radiation that is incident upon the layer at top and bottom. These conditions can be used to replace an optically stationary internal layer in multislab atmospheric radiation computations, while saving computer resources and without degrading the numerical results.     

Parallel Jacobian-free Newton Krylov solution of the discrete ordinates method with flux limiters for 3D radiative transfer

The present study introduces a parallel Jacobian-free Newton Krylov (JFNK) general minimal residual (GMRES) solution for the discretized radiative transfer equation (RTE) in 3D, absorbing, emitting and scattering media. For the angular and spatial discretization of the RTE, the discrete ordinates method (DOM) and the finite volume method (FVM) including flux limiters are employed, respectively. Instead of forming and storing a large Jacobian matrix, JFNK methods allow for large memory savings as the required Jacobian-vector products are rather approximated by semiexact and numerical formulations, for which convergence and computational times are presented. Parallelization of the GMRES solution is introduced in a combined memory-shared/memory-distributed formulation that takes advantage of the fact that only large vector arrays remain in the JFNK process. Results are presented for 3D test cases including a simple homogeneous, isotropic medium and a more complex non-homogeneous, non-isothermal, absorbing–emitting and anisotropic scattering medium with collimated intensities. Additionally, convergence and stability of Gram–Schmidt and Householder orthogonalizations for the Arnoldi process in the parallel GMRES algorithms are discussed and analyzed. Overall, the introduction of JFNK methods results in a parallel, yet scalable to the tested 2048 processors, and memory affordable solution to 3D radiative transfer problems without compromising the accuracy and convergence of a Newton-like solution.     

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.     

δ函数SN方法求解含各向异性散射输运方程的本征值问题

将角通量分解成一个δ函数和一个低阶函数,分别采用解析方法和求积组来计算源项.利用δ函数S_N方法,计算了平几何条件下含各向异性散射单速输运方程的临界问题.分析和数值结果表明,采用数量较少的离散方向,能够达到较高计算精度.     

Radiative transfer in one-dimensional hollow sphere with anisotropic scattering and variable medium properties

The effects of variable medium properties on radiation transfer in participating and anisotropically scattering one-dimensional spherical medium were investigated by Tsai et al. (JQSRT 42(3) (1989) 187). The discrete ordinates method solutions they provided for hollow spherical medium cases are incorrect. The correct DOM S₈ and the integral transfer equation solutions are provided.     

On the use of Fresnel boundary and interface conditions in radiative-transfer calculations for multilayered media

The ADO (analytical discrete ordinates) method is used to establish a concise and accurate solution for a multi-layer radiative-transfer problem with Fresnel boundary and interface conditions. A finite plane-parallel medium composed of a number (K) of sub-strata with different material properties is considered to be illuminated by isotropically incident radiation. While a general result is obtained, emphasis in the numerical work is given to computing accurately the currents and the intensities that exit each of the two exterior surfaces. Monochromatic forms (with anisotropic scattering) of the radiative-transfer equation are used, and numerical results are given for several specific cases. The complications introduced by the Fresnel boundary and interface conditions are well resolved, so that the numerical results obtained are thought to define a very high standard.     

Hybrid discrete ordinates—spherical harmonics solution to the Boltzmann Transport Equation for phonons for non-equilibrium heat conduction

The Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE) for phonons has found prolific use for the prediction of non-equilibrium heat conduction phenomena in semiconductor materials. This article presents a new hybrid formulation and associated numerical procedures for solution of the BTE for phonons. In this formulation, the phonon intensity is first split into two components: ballistic and diffusive. The governing equation for the ballistic component is solved using two different established methods that are appropriate for use in complex geometries, namely the discrete ordinates method (DOM), and the control angle discrete ordinates method (CADOM). The diffusive component, on the other hand, is determined by invoking the first-order spherical harmonics (or P₁) approximation, which results in a Helmholtz equation with Robin boundary conditions. Both governing equations, referred to commonly as the ballistic-diffusive equations (BDE), are solved using the unstructured finite-volume procedure. Results of the hybrid method are compared against benchmark Monte Carlo results, as well as solutions of the BTE using standalone DOM and CADOM for two two-dimensional transient heat conduction problems at various Knudsen numbers. Subsequently, the method is explored for a large-scale three-dimensional geometry in order to assess convergence and computational cost. It is found that the proposed hybrid method is accurate at all Knudsen numbers. From an efficiency standpoint, the hybrid method is found to be superior to direct solution of the BTE both for steady state as well as for unsteady non-equilibrium heat conduction calculations with the computational gains increasing with increase in problem size.     

Nonaxisymmetric radiative transfer in inhomogeneous cylindrical media with anisotropic scattering

In this paper, the control volume finite element method (CVFEM) is applied for the first time to solve nonaxisymmetric radiative transfer in inhomogeneous, emitting, absorbing and anisotropic scattering cylindrical media. Mathematical formulations as well as numerical implementation are given and the final discretized equations are based on similar meshes used for convective and conductive heat transfer in computational fluid dynamic analysis. In order to test the efficiency of the developed method, four nonaxisymmetric problems have been examined. Also, the grid dependence and the false scattering of the CVFEM are investigated and compared with the finite volume method and the discrete ordinates interpolation method.     

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.     

Solution of the equation of radiative transfer using a Newton–Krylov approach and adaptive mesh refinement

The discrete ordinates method (DOM) and finite-volume method (FVM) are used extensively to solve the radiative transfer equation (RTE) in furnaces and combusting mixtures due to their balance between numerical efficiency and accuracy. These methods produce a system of coupled partial differential equations which are typically solved using space-marching techniques since they converge rapidly for constant coefficient spatial discretization schemes and non-scattering media. However, space-marching methods lose their effectiveness when applied to scattering media because the intensities in different directions become tightly coupled. When these methods are used in combination with high-resolution limited total-variation-diminishing (TVD) schemes, the additional non-linearities introduced by the flux limiting process can result in excessive iterations for most cases or even convergence failure for scattering media. Space-marching techniques may also not be quite as well-suited for the solution of problems involving complex three-dimensional geometries and/or for use in highly-scalable parallel algorithms. A novel pseudo-time marching algorithm is therefore proposed herein to solve the DOM or FVM equations on multi-block body-fitted meshes using a highly scalable parallel-implicit solution approach in conjunction with high-resolution TVD spatial discretization. Adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) is also employed to properly capture disparate solution scales with a reduced number of grid points. The scheme is assessed in terms of discontinuity-capturing capabilities, spatial and angular solution accuracy, scalability, and serial performance through comparisons to other commonly employed solution techniques. The proposed algorithm is shown to possess excellent parallel scaling characteristics and can be readily applied to problems involving complex geometries. In particular, greater than 85% parallel efficiency is demonstrated for a strong scaling problem on up to 256 processors. Furthermore, a speedup of a factor of at least two was observed over a standard space-marching algorithm using a limited scheme for optically thick scattering media. Although the time-marching approach is approximately four times slower for absorbing media, it vastly outperforms standard solvers when parallel speedup is taken into account. The latter is particularly true for geometrically complex computational domains.     

蒙特卡罗方法对各向异性介质辐射特性的模拟

本文提出一种计算含微粒半透明介质辐射特性的蒙特卡罗方法，考虑了微粒群的独立多次散射，直接用米氏相函数考虑微粒的各向异性性质，计算了含微粒层的双向反射率与双向透射率。与实验数据和离散座标法的计算结果比较，吻合良好。     

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。     

Radiative transfer with internal reflection via the converged discrete ordinates method

In response to the challenge of establishing highly accurate solutions to the plane layer radiative transfer equation with the simplest of methods, the converged discrete ordinates method is presented. With this algorithm of only finite difference, quadrature and acceleration, we show how to obtain highly accurate intensities for radiative transfer in a finite layer with internal surface reflection. The method features angular smoothing and angular interpolation through “faux” quadrature. In addition, a manufactured solution demonstrates the high accuracy of the method for forward peaked scattering. We consider scattering in a heterogeneous medium as a final demonstration.