Use of Monte Carlo Method to Solve Geometrical Problems in Radiation Transfer

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the Monte Carlo method to solve problems involving thermal radiation exchange. The use of this method is described in a book preview and it is suggested to use already existing packages to save time and effort. The possibility of using the View3D program and its source code is also mentioned.
  • #1
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Hello all,

I am curious to know if any of you have ever used the Monte Carlo method to solve problems involving thermal radiation exchange. An overview of the problems that can be solved using this method is described here.

http://books.google.com/books?id=O389yQ0-fecC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA390#v=onepage&q=&f=false

The above link is to a partial preview book so some pages are not available. I intend to buy this book but I haven't yet.

To be more specific the problem that I am interested in solving is to calculate a view factor (also called a configuration shape factor) involving non-trivial geometry in 2 dimensions but first I would like to use the Monte Carlo method to reproduce the view factor for trivial geometry to verify complete understanding of the method. I also have access to a general finite element analysis package called ANSYS to verify the results of the non-trivial geometry.

I am familair with Monte Carlo integration scheme as outlined in Numerical Recipes and I have modest amount of programming experience in C++ but I haven't ever programmed a method such as Monte Carlo.

I know that Monte Carlo simulations are used in a wide variety of fields and the method is very powerful especially with a "fast" computer.

If any of you have ever done this and would like to help me out with it please let me know and we can outline a simple problem to work together on.

Thanks
Matt
 
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  • #2
This can definitely be solved using Monte Carlo simulations. However, there are already packages to do this. http://view3d.sourceforge.net/" can calculate the view factor for both 2D and 3D configurations. I haven't looked closely at this program so I don't know how it does its integrations, but it could be with Monte Carlo methods. If you are more intent on making your own program than just finding view factors you might want to look at the source code of View3D. If not, I would recommend using what is already out there to save yourself a whole lot of work.
 
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  • #3
Thanks a lot for information on the View 3D program. I will check into it.

Thanks
Matt
 

What is the Monte Carlo Method and how is it used in solving geometrical problems in radiation transfer?

The Monte Carlo method is a computational technique used to simulate and solve problems through repeated random sampling. In the context of radiation transfer, it can be used to calculate the path and interactions of photons within a given geometry, allowing for the determination of quantities such as radiation dose or energy deposition.

What types of geometries can be simulated using the Monte Carlo Method in radiation transfer calculations?

The Monte Carlo method is a versatile technique that can be applied to a wide range of geometries, including simple shapes such as spheres and cubes, as well as more complex structures such as human body models or nuclear reactor cores.

How accurate are Monte Carlo simulations in radiation transfer compared to other methods?

The accuracy of Monte Carlo simulations depends on the number of particles or photons used in the calculation. As the number of particles increases, so does the accuracy of the results. In general, Monte Carlo simulations are considered to be highly accurate and are often used as a benchmark for other radiation transfer methods.

What are the advantages of using the Monte Carlo method in radiation transfer calculations?

One of the main advantages of using the Monte Carlo method is its ability to model complex geometries and interactions in a highly accurate way. It also allows for the inclusion of various physical processes, such as scattering and absorption, making it a versatile tool for radiation transfer calculations.

Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using the Monte Carlo method in radiation transfer calculations?

One potential limitation of the Monte Carlo method is its computational cost, as it requires a large number of particles to achieve accurate results. Additionally, the accuracy of the results may be affected by the assumptions and simplifications made in the simulation setup. It is important to carefully validate and verify the results of any Monte Carlo simulation in radiation transfer before drawing conclusions.

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