A procedure for view factor calculation using the finite-volume method

This article presents a finite-volume method to calculate view factors betw een surfaces of control volumes. A simple approach, which does not lead to the increase in memory requirement with increasing angular grid, is used. T he spatial and angular resolution errors are resolved by grid refinements. The procedure can handle straight-edged, inclined, and curved boundaries. B lockages due to internal obstructions and boundaries can also be accommodat ed. Five problems are examined and the exact solutions are reproduced.