Finite element analysis for radiative heat transfer in multidimensional participating media

A finite element model is developed to simulate the radiative transfer in 2D and 3D complex-geometric enclosure filled with absorbing and scattering media. This model is based on the discrete ordinates method and finite element theory. The finite element formulations and detailed steps of numerical calculation are given.The discrepancy of the results produced by different space and solid angle discretization is also investigated and compared. The effect of the six-node quadric element on the accuracy is analyzed by a 2D rectangular enclosure. These results indicate that the present model can simulate radiative transfer in multidimensional complexgeometric enclosure with participating media effectively and accurately.