Alternating Direction Implicit Orthogonal Spline Collocation on Non-Rectangular Regions

The alternating direction implicit (ADI) method is a highly efficient technique for solving multi-dimensional time dependent initial-boundary value problems on rectangles. When the ADI technique is coupled with orthogonal spline collocation (OSC) for discretization in space, we not only obtain the global solution efficiently, but the discretization error with respect to space variables can be of an arbitrarily high order. In [2], we used a Crank Nicolson ADI OSC method for solving general nonlinear parabolic problems with Robin's boundary conditions on rectangular polygons and demonstrated numerically the accuracy in various norms. A natural question that arises is: Does this method have an extension to non-rectangular regions? In this paper, we present a simple idea of how the ADI OSC technique can be extended to some such regions. Our approach depends on the transfer of Dirichlet boundary conditions in the solution of a two-point boundary value problem (TPBVP). We illustrate our idea for the solution of the heat equation on the unit disc using piecewise Hermite cubics.     

Scattering Phase Correction for Semiclassical Quantization Rules in Multi-Dimensional Quantum Systems

While the scattering phase for several one-dimensional potentials can be exactly derived, less is known in multi-dimensional quantum systems. This work provides a method to extend the one-dimensional phase knowledge to multi-dimensional quantization rules. The extension is illustrated in the example of Bogomolny＇s transfer operator method applied in two quantum wells bounded by step potentials of different heights. This generalized semiclassical method accurately determines the energy spectrum of the systems, which indicates the substantial role of the proposed phase correction. Theoretically, the result can be extended to other semiclassical methods, such as Gutzwiller trace formula, dynamical zeta functions, and semielassical Landauer Buttiker formula. In practice, this recipe enhances the applicability of semiclassical methods to multi-dimensional quantum systems bounded by general soft potentials.     

Numerical results for the thermal scattering functions

A recent formulation in radiative transfer defined the thermal scattering functions that characterize radiative transfer from a general, plane-parallel, finite medium driven solely by an internal distribution of thermal sources. Exiting diffuse intensities are expressed as space convolutions of the thermal scattering functions with any thermal source distribution. A parametric study is presented to obtain the basic structure of these scattering functions. The independent variables of these azimuthally independent functions are the direction consine μ and source location t, while the parameters are the single scattering albedo ω, total optical depth t₀, and the asymmetry factor g in the Henyey-Greenstein phase function. The basic functional trends are discussed using various parametric plots, and selected tabular results are given to allow numerical checks. The computational method is invariant imbedding. As a particular application, these functions are used in the following companion paper to obtain exiting intensities from inhomogeneous and nonisothermal media.     

Pomraning–Eddington approximation for radiative transfer in a homogeneous solid cylinder

Abstract

The radiative transfer in a solid cylinder containing a homogeneous turbid medium with anisotropic scattering is considered. The medium has a diffuse and specular reflecting boundary illuminated by an external incidence and contains an internal energy source. This general problem can be solved in terms of the solution of the corresponding source-free problem with a specular reflecting boundary and isotropic external incidence. The Pomraning–Eddington approximation is used to solve the source-free problem. Three different weight functions are used to verify the boundary condition to find the constants of the solution. The partial flux, the irradiance and the net flux at the boundary for the general problem are calculated.     

Third order residual distribution schemes for the Navier–Stokes equations

We construct a third order multidimensional upwind residual distribution scheme for the system of the Navier–Stokes equations. The underlying approximation is obtained using standard P² Lagrange finite elements. To discretise the inviscid component of the equations, each element is divided in sub-elements over which we compute a high order residual defined as the integral of the inviscid fluxes on the boundary of the sub-element. The residuals are distributed to the nodes of each sub-element in a multi-dimensional upwind way. To obtain a discretisation of the viscous terms consistent with this multi-dimensional upwind approach, we make use of a Petrov–Galerkin analogy. The analogy allows to find a family of test functions which can be used to obtain a weak approximation of the viscous terms. The performance of this high-order method is tested on flows with high and low Reynolds number.     

Time-dependent polarized radiation transfer in semi-infinite binary Markovian media

The problem of time-dependent radiation transfer in a semi-infinite plane-parallel random medium with Rayleigh scattering phase function including polarization is considered. The random medium is assumed to consist of two immiscible mixed materials with specular reflecting boundary. The mixing statistics of the two components of the medium is described by the two-state homogeneous Markovian statistics. A formalism, developed to treat radiative transfer in statistical mixtures, is used to obtain the ensemble-averaged solution. Two different weight functions are used to obtain the numerical results for the ensemble-average for reflectivity, radiant energy, and net flux of the medium at any time.     

Exact series expansions, recurrence relations, properties and integrals of the generalized exponential integral functions

Generalized exponential integral functions (GEIF) are encountered in multi-dimensional thermal radiative transfer problems in the integral equation kernels. Several series expansions for the first-order generalized exponential integral function, along with a series expansion for the general nth order GEIF, are derived. The convergence issues of these series expansions are investigated numerically as well as theoretically, and a recurrence relation which does not require derivatives of the GEIF is developed. The exact series expansions of the two dimensional cylindrical and/or two-dimensional planar integral kernels as well as their spatial moments have been explicitly derived and compared with numerical values.     

Least-squares collocation meshless approach for radiative heat transfer in absorbing and scattering media

A least-squares collocation meshless method is employed for solving the radiative heat transfer in absorbing, emitting and scattering media. The least-squares collocation meshless method for radiative transfer is based on the discrete ordinates equation. A moving least-squares approximation is applied to construct the trial functions. Except for the collocation points which are used to construct the trial functions, a number of auxiliary points are also adopted to form the total residuals of the problem. The least-squares technique is used to obtain the solution of the problem by minimizing the summation of residuals of all collocation and auxiliary points. Three numerical examples are studied to illustrate the performance of this new solution method. The numerical results are compared with the other benchmark approximate solutions. By comparison, the results show that the least-squares collocation meshless method is efficient, accurate and stable, and can be used for solving the radiative heat transfer in absorbing, emitting and scattering media.     

Finite element method for radiation heat transfer in multi-dimensional graded index medium

In graded index medium, ray goes along a curved path determined by Fermat principle, and curved ray-tracing is very difficult and complex. To avoid the complicated and time-consuming computation of curved ray trajectories, a finite element method based on discrete ordinate equation is developed to solve the radiative transfer problem in a multi-dimensional semitransparent graded index medium. Two particular test problems of radiative transfer are taken as examples to verify this finite element method. The predicted dimensionless net radiative heat fluxes are determined by the proposed method and compared with the results obtained by finite volume method. The results show that the finite element method presented in this paper has a good accuracy in solving the multi-dimensional radiative transfer problem in semitransparent graded index medium.     

Least-squares finite element method for radiation heat transfer in graded index medium

To avoid the complicated and time-consuming computation of curved ray trajectories, a least-squares finite element method based on discrete ordinate equation is extended to solve the radiative transfer problem in a multi-dimensional semitransparent graded index medium. Four cases of radiative heat transfer are examined to verify this least-squares finite element method. Linear and nonlinear graded index are considered. The predicted dimensionless net radiative heat fluxes are determined by the least-squares finite element method and compared with the results obtained by other methods. The results show that the least-squares finite element method is stable and has a good accuracy in solving the multi-dimensional radiative transfer problem in a semitransparent graded index medium, while the Galerkin finite element method sometimes suffers from nonphysical oscillations.     

Two-dimensional radiative transfer in a finite scattering planar medium

The source function, radiative flux, and intensity at the boundaries are calculated for a two-dimensional, scattering, finite medium subjected to collimated radiation. The scattering phase function is composed of a spike in the forward direction super-imposed on an isotropic background. Exact radiative transfer theory is used to formulate the problem and Ambarzumian's method is used to obtain results. Using the principle of superposition, the results for any step variation in incident radiation are expressed in terms of universal functions for the semi-infinite step case. Two-dimensional effects are most pronounced at large optical thicknesses and albedos.     

Stochastic radiative transfer in a finite plane-parallel medium with general boundary conditions

The time-independent radiative transfer problem in a scattering and absorbing planar random medium with general boundary conditions and internal energy source is considered. The medium is assumed to consist of two randomly mixed immiscible fluids, with the mixing statistics described as a two-state homogeneous Markov process. The problem is solved in terms of the solution of the corresponding free-source problem with simple boundary conditions which is solved using Pomraning-Eddington approximation in the deterministic case. A formalism, developed to treat radiative transfer in statistical mixtures, is used to obtain the ensemble-averaged solution. The average partial heat fluxes are calculated in terms of the albedoes of the source-free problem. Results are obtained for isotropic and anisotropic scattering for specular and diffused reflecting boundaries.     

Discontinuous finite element method for radiative heat transfer in semitransparent graded index medium

To avoid the complicated and time-consuming computation of curved ray trajectories, a discontinuous finite element method based on discrete ordinate equation is extended to solve the radiative transfer problem in a multi-dimensional semitransparent graded index medium. Two cases of radiative heat transfer in two-dimensional rectangular gray semitransparent graded index medium enclosed by opaque boundary are examined to verify this discontinuous finite element method. Special layered and radial graded index distributions are considered. The predicted dimensionless net radiative heat fluxes and dimensionless temperature distributions are determined by the discontinuous finite element method and compared with the results obtained by the curved Monte Carlo method in references. The results show that the discontinuous finite element method has a good accuracy in solving the multi-dimensional radiative transfer problem in a semitransparent graded index medium.     

Lieb–Thirring Bounds for Complex Jacobi Matrices

We obtain various versions of classical Lieb–Thirring bounds for one- and multi-dimensional complex Jacobi matrices. Our method is based on Fan–Mirski Lemma and seems to be fairly general.      

A new approach to obtain the non-Condon factors in closed form for two one-dimensional harmonic oscillators

A simple algebraic approach to calculate general Franck-Condon overlaps is extended to evaluate non-Condon factors for two one-dimensional harmonic oscillators. The method is based on the use of eigenstates of the harmonic oscillator annihilation operator which allows to obtain in terms of a multi-dimensional Hermite polynomial the overlap of harmonic oscillator functions associated with different Born-Oppenheimer potentials. The presented approach is self-contained, only basic concepts of quantum mechanics associated with the harmonic oscillator system are needed. The obtained expression for the Franck-Condon overlaps is similar to the Ansbacher’s formula and equivalent to the one calculated by Malkin and Man’ko. However our final expression has the advantages that only real numbers are involved and it is straightforward to get the limit case of equal frequencies. Concerning the non-Condon factors two approaches leading to different formulas are considered, both of which reduce to triple sums of products of three Hermite polynomials.     

Exploiting the linearity of radiative transfer

A standard problem in radiative transfer is finding the external and internal radiative fields produced by uniform, parallel rays illuminating the top of a one-dimensional, scattering and absorbing medium of finite optical thickness. This problem has been solved in several ways with various physical restrictions. One approach is by finding the source function that represents the rate of production of scattered radiation per unit volume per unit solid angle at each point in the medium. The present paper develops and uses the idea that the standard source function is an influence function for a given medium. The linearity of radiative transfer is then used to find certain general source functions in terms of the standard one. The usefulness of the above concept is demonstrated by the following four problems: (1) derivation of Chandrasekhar's four principles of invariance from the radiative transfer equation, (2) derivation of the equations governing Chandrasekhar's X- and Y- functions without using the invariance principles or resolvent kernels, (3) finding the source function for a medium with a Lambert's-law bottom, and (4) finding the source function for a medium with a bottom that is a perfect specular reflector.     

The Pauli Exclusion Principle. Can It Be Proved?

The modern state of the Pauli exclusion principle studies is discussed. The Pauli exclusion principle can be considered from two viewpoints. On the one hand, it asserts that particles with half-integer spin (fermions) are described by antisymmetric wave functions, and particles with integer spin (bosons) are described by symmetric wave functions. This is a so-called spin-statistics connection. The reasons why the spin-statistics connection exists are still unknown, see discussion in text. On the other hand, according to the Pauli exclusion principle, the permutation symmetry of the total wave functions can be only of two types: symmetric or antisymmetric, all other types of permutation symmetry are forbidden; although the solutions of the Schrödinger equation may belong to any representation of the permutation group, including the multi-dimensional ones. It is demonstrated that the proofs of the Pauli exclusion principle in some textbooks on quantum mechanics are incorrect and, in general, the indistinguishability principle is insensitive to the permutation symmetry of the wave function and cannot be used as a criterion for the verification of the Pauli exclusion principle. Heuristic arguments are given in favor that the existence in nature only the one-dimensional permutation representations (symmetric and antisymmetric) are not accidental. As follows from the analysis of possible scenarios, the permission of multi-dimensional representations of the permutation group leads to contradictions with the concept of particle identity and their independence. Thus, the prohibition of the degenerate permutation states by the Pauli exclusion principle follows from the general physical assumptions underlying quantum theory.     

Three-dimensional radiative transfer in an anisotropically scattering, plane-parallel medium: generalized reflection and transmission functions

The problem of spatially varying, collimated radiation incident on an anisotropically scattering, plane-parallel medium is considered. A very general phase function is allowed. An integral transform is used to reduce the three-dimensional radiative transport equation to a one-dimensional form, and a modified Ambarzumian's method is applied to derive nonlinear integral and integro-differential equations for the generalized reflection and transmission functions. The integration is over the polar and azimuthal angles—this formulation is referred to as the double-integral formulation. The integral equations are used to illustrate symmetry relationships and to obtain single- and double-scattering approximations. The generalized reflection and transmission functions are important in the construction of the solutions to many multidimensional problems. Coupled integral equations for the interior and emergent intensities are developed and, for the case of two identical homogeneous layers, used to formulate a doubling procedure. Results for an isotropic and Rayleigh scattering medium are presented to illustrate the computational characteristics of the formulation.     

Variational method for lattice systems: General formalism and application to the two-dimensional Ising model in an external field

A simple variational approach to the eigenvalue problem of the transfer operator is proposed. After reducing the transfer operator according to the symmetries of the Hamiltonian, the leading eigenvalues of the irreducible blocks can be evaluated by elementary variational principles. Hence the thermodynamics and a large class of correlation functions of lattice systems can be calculated. Following a natural truncation scheme the results can be improved in a systematic way. The high accuracy and the convergence of the method is demonstrated by two-dimensional Ising model. As a first application, the thermodynamics of the two-dimensional Ising ferro-and antiferromagnet in an external field is studied. We show how the same method can be used to obtain zero-temperature properties of interacting quantum lattice systems.     

Derivation and application of the reciprocity relations for radiative transfer with internal illumination

A Green's function formulation is used to derive basic reciprocity relations for planar radiative transfer in a general medium with internal illumination. Reciprocity (or functional symmetry) allows an explicit and generalized development of the equivalence between source and probability functions. Assuming similar symmetry in three-dimensional space, a general relationship is derived between planar-source intensity and point-source total directional energy. These quantities are expressed in terms of standard (universal) functions associated with the planar medium, while all results are derived from the differential equation of radiative transfer.