FINITE-ELEMENT FORMULATION OF THE DISCRETE-ORDINATES METHOD FOR MULTIDIMENSIONAL GEOMETRIES

Radiative heat transfer in a multidimensional participating medium was predicted using the discrete-ordinates (DO) method. The even parity r adiative transfer equation (RTE) is formulated for an absorbing, isotr opically scattering, and re-emitting medium enclosed by gray walls. Th e even parity RTE is spatially discretized with the finite element met hod. The solution accuracy and convergence are discussed for several e lement types. Several test enclosures are modeled. Results are compare d with the standard DO control volume formulation, exact solutions, an d the P3 differential approximation. Solutions are found for enclosure s with either absorbing or isotropically scattering media. Results com pare well with published results. Also, the use of the method for comp lex geometries and unstructured grids is discussed.