Radiative heat-transfer analysis using an effective absorptivity for absorption, emission and scattering

In this study, a non-conventional approach is used for the solution of radiative heat-transfer equations through absorbing, emitting and scattering media. An expression has been developed herein, for the effective absorptivity of a layer of the medium which includes the effect of absorption, emission and scattering. This new 'effective absorptivity in the presence of scattering' can be used to evaluate the radiative heat transfer between two surfaces with an intervening flowing or stationary medium. In this study, this expression is used in the evaluation of radiative heat transfer in turbulent boundary layer flows over a flat plate. The radiative-heat-transfer results calculated by the method developed in this study are compared with the results calculated by conventional methods. It is seen that the method, developed herein, is accurate as well as faster than present techniques and thus saves considerable computer time.