A new method of numerical solution of nonsteady problems in the theory of radiative transfer

A new method is proposed for the numerical solution of nonsteady problems in the theory of radiative transfer. In this method, if the solution at some time t (such as the initial time) is known, then by representing the radiation intensity and all time-dependent quantities (level populations, kinetic temperature, etc.) in the form of Taylor series expansions in the vicinity oft, one can, from the transfer equation and the equations accompanying it (population equations, energy-balance equation, etc.), find all derivatives of that solution at the given time from certain recursive equations. From the Taylor series one can then calculate the solution at some later time t + Δt, and so forth. The method enables one to analyze nonsteady (radiative transfer both in stationary media and in media with characteristics that vary with time in a given way. This method can also be used to solve nonlinear problems, i.e., those in which the radiation field significantly affects the characteristics of the medium. No iterations are used for this: everything comes down to calculations based on recursive equations. Several problems, both linear and nonlinear, are solved as examples. © 2001 Plenum Publishing Corporation.