Tau method approximation for radiative transfer problems in a slab medium

An approximate method for solving the radiative transfer equation in a slab medium with an isotropic scattering is proposed. The method is based upon constructing the double Legendre series to approximate the required solutio n using Legendre tau method. The differential and integral expressions whic h arise in the radiative transfer equation are converted into a system of l inear algebraic equations which can be solved for the unknown coefficients. Numerical examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicabil ity of the method and a comparison is made with existing results. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.