An efficient procedure to evaluate asymptotic limits of particles scattering efficiency and asymmetry factor

Radiative properties of particulate matter must be calculated accurately an d in an expeditious way, in order to ensure both correct radiative transfer predictions and computational efficiency, requiring practicable computatio n time expenditure. The influence of large particles in radiative transfer is of major importance, placing an increased emphasis on the asymptotic sol utions applicable to those particles. For large particles the scattering is : highly anisotropic, causing the asymmetry factor to assume a very signifi cant role. In the present work, an efficient method for the calculation of the asymptotic limits of both scattering: efficiency and asymmetry factor f or spherical particles is presented. The results are presented in simple an d closed form expressions that exhibit a high degree of accuracy. This allo w's fur a simultaneously accurate and expeditious evaluation of the referre d parameters for large particles. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.