Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

This tutorial is divided into the following sections:

8.1. Introduction
8.2. Prerequisites
8.3. Problem Description
8.4. Setup and Solution
8.5. Summary
8.6. Further Improvements

8.1. Introduction
This tutorial illustrates the set up and solution of flow and thermal modelling of a headlamp. The discrete
ordinates (DO) radiation model will be used to model the radiation.

This tutorial demonstrates how to do the following:

• Read an existing mesh file into ANSYS FLUENT.

• Set up the DO radiation model.
• Set up material properties and boundary conditions.
• Solve for the energy and flow equations.
• Initialize and obtain a solution.
• Postprocess the resulting data.
• Understand the effect of pixels and divisions on temperature predictions and solver speed.

8.2. Prerequisites
This tutorial is written with the assumption that you have completed Introduction to Using ANSYS FLUENT:
Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in a Mixing Elbow (p. 111), and that you are familiar with the ANSYS FLUENT nav-
igation pane and menu structure. Some steps in the setup and solution procedure will not be shown explicitly.

8.3. Problem Description

The problem to be considered is illustrated in Figure 8.1 (p. 324), showing a simple two-dimensional section
of a headlamp construction. The key components to be included are the bulb, reflector, baffle, lens, and
housing. For simplicity, the heat output will only be considered from the bulb surface rather than the filament
of the bulb. The radiant load from the bulb will cover all thermal radiation - this includes visible (light) as
well as infra-red radiation.

The ambient conditions to be considered are quiescent air at 20 C. Heat exchange between the lamp and
the surroundings will occur by conduction, convection and radiation. The rear reflector is assumed to be
well insulated and heat losses will be ignored. The purpose of the baffle is to shield the lens from direct ra-
diation. Both the reflector and baffle are made from polished metal having a low emissivity and mirror-like
finish; their combined effect should distribute the light and heat from the bulb across the lens. The lens is
made from glass and has a refractive index of 1.5.

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

Figure 8.1 Schematic of the Problem

8.4. Setup and Solution

The following sections describe the setup and solution steps for this tutorial:
8.4.1. Preparation
8.4.2. Step 1: Mesh
8.4.3. Step 2: General Settings
8.4.4. Step 3: Models
8.4.5. Step 4: Materials
8.4.6. Step 5: Cell Zone Conditions
8.4.7. Step 6: Boundary Conditions
8.4.8. Step 7: Solution
8.4.9. Step 8: Postprocessing
8.4.10. Step 9: Iterate for Higher Pixels
8.4.11. Step 10: Iterate for Higher Divisions
8.4.12. Step 11: Make the Reflector Completely Diffuse
8.4.13. Step 12: Change the Boundary Type of Baffle

8.4.1. Preparation
1. Download do_rad.zip from the ANSYS Customer Portal or the User Services Center to your working
folder (as described in Preparation (p. 4) of Introduction to Using ANSYS FLUENT in ANSYS Workbench:
Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in a Mixing Elbow (p. 1)).

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 8.4.3. Step 2: General Settings

2. Unzip do_rad.zip.

The mesh file do.msh.gz can be found in the do_rad folder created after unzipping the file.
3. Use FLUENT Launcher to start the 2D version of ANSYS FLUENT.

For more information about FLUENT Launcher, see Starting ANSYS FLUENT Using FLUENT Launcher in
the User’s Guide.

Note

The Display Options are enabled by default. Therefore, after you read in the mesh, it will be
displayed in the embedded graphics window.

8.4.2. Step 1: Mesh

1. Read the mesh file do.msh.gz.

File → Read → Mesh...

As the mesh file is read, ANSYS FLUENT will report the progress in the console.

8.4.3. Step 2: General Settings

General

1. Check the mesh.

General → Check

ANSYS FLUENT will perform various checks on the mesh and report the progress in the console. Ensure that
the reported minimum volume is a positive number.
2. Scale the mesh.

General → Scale...

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

a. Select mm from the View Length Unit In drop-down list.

The Domain Extents will be reported in mm.

b. Select mm from the Mesh Was Created In drop-down list.
c. Click Scale and close the Scale Mesh dialog box.
3. Check the mesh.

General → Check

Note

It is good practice to check the mesh after manipulating it (scale, convert to polyhedra,
merge, separate, fuse, add zones, or smooth and swap).

4. Examine the mesh.

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 8.4.3. Step 2: General Settings

Figure 8.2 Graphics Display of Mesh

5. Change the unit of temperature to centigrade.

General → Units...

a. Select temperature from the Quantities selection list.

b. Select c from the Units selection list.
c. Close the Set Units dialog box.
6. Retain the default solver settings.

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

General

7. Enable Gravity.

a. Enter -9.81
for Gravitational Acceleration in the Y direction.

8.4.4. Step 3: Models

Models

1. Enable the energy equation.

Models → Energy → Edit...

2. Enable the DO radiation model.

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 8.4.5. Step 4: Materials

Models → Radiation → Edit...

a. Select Discrete Ordinates (DO) in the Model list.

The Radiation Model dialog box expands to show the related inputs.
b. Set the Flow Iterations per Radiation Iteration to 1.

As radiation will be the dominant mode of heat transfer, it is beneficial to reduce the interval between
calculations. For this small 2D case we will reduce it to 1.
c. Retain the default settings for Angular Discretization.
d. Click OK to close the Radiation Model dialog box.

An Information dialog box will appear, informing that material properties have changed.
e. Click OK in the Information dialog box.

8.4.5. Step 4: Materials

Materials

1. Set the properties for air.

Materials → air → Create/Edit...

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

a. Select incompressible-ideal-gas from the Density drop-down list.

Since pressure variations are insignificant compared to temperature variation, we choose incompressible-
ideal-gas law for density.
b. Retain the default settings for all other parameters.
c. Click Change/Create and close the Create/Edit Materials dialog box.
2. Create a new material, lens.

Materials → Solid → Create/Edit...

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 8.4.5. Step 4: Materials

a. Enter lens for Name and delete the entry in the Chemical Formula field.

b. Enter 2200

 for Density.
c. Enter 830 J/Kg-K for Cp (Specific Heat).
d. Enter 1.5 W/m-K for Thermal Conductivity.
e. Enter 200 1/m for Absorption Coefficient.
f. Enter 1.5 for Refractive Index.
g. Click Change/Create.

A Question dialog box will open, asking if you want to overwrite aluminum.

h. Click No in the Question dialog box to retain aluminum and add the new material (lens) to the
materials list.

The Create/Edit Materials dialog box will be updated to show the new material, lens, in the ANSYS
FLUENT Solid Materials drop-down list.
i. Close the Create/Edit Materials dialog box.

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

8.4.6. Step 5: Cell Zone Conditions

Cell Zone Conditions

1. Ensure that air is selected for fluid.

Cell Zone Conditions → fluid → Edit...

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 8.4.6. Step 5: Cell Zone Conditions

a. Retain the default selection of air from the Material Name drop-down list.
b. Click OK to close the Fluid dialog box.
2. Set the cell zone conditions for the lens.

Cell Zone Conditions → lens → Edit...

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

a. Select lens from the Material Name drop-down list.

b. Enable Participates In Radiation.
c. Click OK to close the Solid dialog box.

8.4.7. Step 6: Boundary Conditions

Boundary Conditions

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 8.4.7. Step 6: Boundary Conditions

1. Set the boundary conditions for the baffle.

Boundary Conditions → baffle → Edit...

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

a. Click the Thermal tab and enter 0.1 for Internal Emissivity.
b. Click the Radiation tab and enter 0 for Diffuse Fraction.
c. Click OK to close the Wall dialog box.
2. Set the boundary conditions for the baffle-shadow.

Boundary Conditions → baffle-shadow → Edit...

a. Click the Thermal tab and enter 0.1 for Internal Emissivity.
b. Click the Radiation tab and enter 0 for Diffuse Fraction.
c. Click OKto close the Wall dialog box.
3. Set the boundary conditions for the bulb-outer.

Boundary Conditions → bulb-outer → Edit...

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 8.4.7. Step 6: Boundary Conditions


a. Click the Thermal tab and enter 150000
for Heat Flux.
b. Retain the value of 1 for Internal Emissivity.
c. Click OK to close the Wall dialog box.
4. Set the boundary conditions for the housing.

Boundary Conditions → housing → Edit...

Click the Thermal tab and select Mixed in the Thermal Conditions group box.
 
a.

b. Enter 10
  − for Heat Transfer Coefficient.
c. Enter 20 C for Free Stream Temperature.

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

d. Retain the value of 1for External Emissivity.

e. Enter 20 C for External Radiation Temperature.
f. Enter 0.5 for Internal Emissivity.
g. Click OK to close the Wall dialog box.
5. Set the boundary conditions for the lens-inner.

Boundary Conditions → lens-inner → Edit...

The inner and outer surface of the lens will be set to semi-transparent conditions. This allows radiation to
be transmitted through the wall between the two adjacent participating cell zones. It also calculates the
effects of reflection and refraction at the interface. These effects occur because of the change in refractive
index (set through the material properties) and are a function of the incident angle of the radiation and
the surface finish. In this case, the lens is assumed to have a very smooth surface so the diffuse fraction will
be set to 0.

On the internal walls (wall/wall-shadows) it is important to note the adjacent cell zone: this is the zone the
surface points into and may influence the settings on diffuse fraction (these can be different on both sides
of the wall).

a. Click the Radiation tab.

b. Select semi-transparent from the BC Type drop-down list.
c. Enter 0 for Diffuse Fraction.
d. Click OK to close the Wall dialog box.
6. Set the boundary conditions for the lens-inner-shadow.

Boundary Conditions → lens-inner-shadow → Edit...

a. Click the Radiation tab.
b. Retain the default selection of semi-transparent from the BC Type drop-down list.

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 8.4.7. Step 6: Boundary Conditions

c. Enter 0 for Diffuse Fraction.

d. Click OK to close the Wall dialog box.
7. Set the boundary conditions for the lens-outer.

Boundary Conditions → lens-outer → Edit...

The surface of the lamp cools mainly by natural convection to the surroundings. As the outer lens is trans-
parent it must also lose radiation to the surroundings, while the surroundings will supply a small source of
background radiation associated with the temperature. For the lens, a semi-transparent condition is used
on the outside wall. A mixed thermal condition provides the source of background radiation as well as
calculating the convective cooling on the outer lens wall. For a semi-transparent wall, the source of back-
ground radiation is added directly to the DO radiation rather than to the energy equation - an external
emissivity of 1 is used, in keeping with the assumption of a small object in a large enclosure. As the back-
ground radiation is supplied from the thermal conditions, there is no need to supply this as a source of ir-
radiation under the Radiation tab for the wall boundary condition. The only other setting required here is
the surface finish of the outer surface of the lens - the diffuse fraction should be set to 0 as the lens is assumed
to be smooth.

Click the Thermal tab and select Mixed in the Thermal Conditions group box.

 − for Heat Transfer Coefficient.
a.

b. Enter 10
c. Enter 20 C for Free Stream Temperature.
d. Retain the value of 1for External Emissivity.

For a semi-transparent wall the internal emissivity has no effect as there is no absorption or emission
on the surface. So the set value is irrelevant.
e. Enter 20 C for External Radiation Temperature.
f. Click the Radiation tab.

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

g. Select semi-transparent from the BC Type drop-down list.

h. Enter 0 for Diffuse Fraction.
i. Click OK to close the Wall dialog box.
8. Set the boundary conditions for the reflector.

Boundary Conditions → reflector → Edit...

Like the baffles, the reflector is made of highly polished aluminum, giving it highly reflective surface property.
About 90% of incident radiation reflects from this surface. Only 10% gets absorbed. Based on Kirchhoff’s
law, we can assume emissivity equals absorptivity. Therefore, we apply internal emissivity = 0.1. We also
assume a clean reflector (diffuse fraction = 0).
a. Click the Thermal tab and enter 0.1 for Internal Emissivity.
b. Click the Radiation tab and enter 0 for Diffuse Fraction.
c. Click OK to close the Wall dialog box.

8.4.8. Step 7: Solution

1. Set the solution parameters.

Solution Methods

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 8.4.8. Step 7: Solution

a. Select Body Force Weighted from the Pressure drop-down list in the Spatial Discretization
group box.
2. Initialize the solution.

Solution Initialization

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

a. Retain the selection of Standard Initialization from the Initialization Methods group box.
b. Enter 20 C for Temperature.
c. Click Initialize.
3. Save the case file (do.cas.gz)

File → Write → Case...

4. Start the calculation by requesting 1000 iterations.

Run Calculation

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 8.4.8. Step 7: Solution

a. Enter 1000 for Number of Iterations.

b. Click Calculate.

Figure 8.3 Residuals

The solution will converge in approximately 120 iterations.

5. Save the case and data files (do.cas.gz and do.dat.gz).

File → Write → Case & Data...

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

8.4.9. Step 8: Postprocessing

1. Display velocity vectors.

Graphics and Animations → Vectors → Set Up...

a. Enter 10 for Scale.

b. Retain the default selection of Velocity from the Vectors of drop-down list.
c. Retain the default selection of Velocity... and Velocity Magnitude from the Color by drop-down
list.
d. Click Display (Figure 8.4 (p. 345)).
e. Close the Vectors dialog box.

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 8.4.9. Step 8: Postprocessing

Figure 8.4 Vectors of Velocity Magnitude

2. Create the new surface, lens.

Surface → Zone...

a. Select lens from the Zone selection list.

b. Click Create and close the Zone Surface dialog box.
3. Display contours of static temperature.

Graphics and Animations → Contours → Set Up...

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

a. Enable Filled in the Options group box.

b. Disable Global Range in the Options group box.
c. Select Temperature... and Static Temperature from the Contours of drop-down lists.
d. Select lens from the Surfaces selection list.
e. Click Display (Figure 8.5 (p. 347)).

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 8.4.9. Step 8: Postprocessing

Figure 8.5 Contours of Static Temperature

f. Close the Contours dialog box.

4. Display temperature profile for the lens-inner.

Plots → XY Plot → Set Up...

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

a. Disable both Node Values and Position on X Axis in the Options group box.
b. Enable Position on Y Axis.
c. Enter 0 and 1 for X and Y in the Plot Direction group box.
d. Retain the default selection of Direction Vector from the Y Axis Function drop-down list.
e. Select Temperature... and Wall Temperature (Outer Surface) from the X Axis Function drop-
down lists.
f. Select lens-inner from the Surfaces selection list.
g. Click the Axes... button to open the Axes - Solution XY Plot dialog box.

i. Ensure that X is selected in the Axis list.

ii. Enter Temperature on Lens Inner for Label.
iii. Select float from the Type drop-down list in the Number Format group box.
iv. Set Precision to 0.
v. Click Apply.

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 8.4.9. Step 8: Postprocessing

vi. Select Y in the Axis list.

vii. Enter Y Position on Lens Inner for Label.
viii. Select float from the Type drop-down list in the Number Format group box.
ix. Set Precision to 0.
x. Click Apply and close the Axes - Solution XY Plot dialog box.
h. Click the Curves... button to open the Curves - Solution XY Plot dialog box.

i. Select the line pattern as shown in the Curves - Solution XY Plot dialog box.
ii. Select the symbol pattern as shown in the Curves - Solution XY Plot dialog box.
iii. Click Apply and close the Curves - Solution XY Plot dialog box.
i. Click Plot (Figure 8.6 (p. 350)).

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

Figure 8.6 Temperature Profile for lens-inner

j. Enable Write to File and click the Write... button to open the Select File dialog box.
i. Enter do_2x2_1x1.xy for XY File and close the Select File dialog box.
k. Close the Solution XY Plot dialog box.

The key in this plot is changed to 1x1 instead of lens-inner.

8.4.10. Step 9: Iterate for Higher Pixels

1. Increase pixelation for accuracy.

Models → Radiation → Edit...

For semi-transparent and reflective surfaces, increasing accuracy by increasing pixilation is more efficient
than increasing theta and phi divisions.

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 8.4.10. Step 9: Iterate for Higher Pixels

a. Set both Theta Pixels and Phi Pixels to 2.

b. Click OK to close the Radiation Model dialog box.
2. Request 1000 more iterations.

Run Calculation

The solution will converge in approximately 100 additional iterations.

3. Save the case and data files (do_2x2_2x2_pix.cas.gz and do_2x2_2x2_pix.dat.gz).

File → Write → Case & Data...

4. Display temperature profile for the lens-inner.

Plots → XY Plot → Set Up...

a. Disable Write to File.
b. Retain the default settings and plot the temperature profile.
c. Enable Write to File and click the Write... button to open the Select File dialog box.
i. Enter do_2x2_2x2_pix.xy for XY File and close the Select File dialog box.
d. Click the Load File... button to open the Select File dialog box.
i. Select do_2x2_1x1.xy and click OK to close the Select File dialog box.
e. Click the Curves... button to open Curves - Solution XY Plot dialog box.
i. Set Curve # to 1.
ii. Select the line pattern as shown in the Curves - Solution XY Plot dialog box.
iii. Select the symbol pattern as shown in the Curves - Solution XY Plot dialog box.
iv. Click Apply and close the Curves - Solution XY Plot dialog box.

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

f. Disable Write to File.

g. Click Plot (Figure 8.7 (p. 352)).

Figure 8.7 Temperature Profile for lens-inner

h. Close the Solution XY Plot dialog box.

5. Increase both Theta Pixels and Phi Pixels to 3 and continue iterations.

Models → Radiation → Edit...

6. Click the Calculate button.

Run Calculation

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 8.4.10. Step 9: Iterate for Higher Pixels

The solution will converge in approximately 100 additional iterations.

7. Save the case and data files (do_2x2_3x3_pix.cas.gz and do_2x2_3x3_pix.dat.gz).

File → Write → Case & Data...

8. Display temperature profile for the lens-inner.

Plots → XY Plot → Set Up...

a. Make sure Write to File is disabled.
b. Ensure that all files are deselected from the File Data selection list.
c. Ensure that lens-inner is selected from the Surfaces selection list.
d. Click Plot.
e. Click Write to File and save the file as do_2x2_3x3_pix.xy.
9. Repeat the procedure for 10 Theta Pixels and Phi Pixels and save the case and data files
(do_2x2_10x10_pix.cas.gz and do_2x2_10x10_pix.dat.gz).
a. Save the file as do_2x2_10x10_pix.xy.
10. Read in all the files and plot them.

Plots → XY Plot → Set Up...

a. Click the Load File... button to open the Select File dialog box.
i. Select all the xy files and close the Select File dialog box.

Note

Selected files will be listed in the XY File(s) selection list.

Make sure you deselect lens-inner from the Surfaces list so that there is no duplicated plot.
b. Click the Curves... button to open Curves - Solution XY Plot dialog box.

Make sure you deselect lens-inner from the Surfaces list so that there is no duplicated plot.

i. Select the line pattern as shown in the Curves - Solution XY Plot dialog box.

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

ii. Select the symbol pattern as shown in the Curves - Solution XY Plot dialog box.
iii. Click Apply to save the settings for curve zero.
iv. Set Curve # to 1.
v. Follow the above instructions for curves 2, 3, and 4.
vi. Click Apply and close the Curves - Solution XY Plot dialog box.
c. Click Plot (Figure 8.8 (p. 354)).
d. Close the Solution XY Plot dialog box.

Figure 8.8 Temperature Profile

8.4.11. Step 10: Iterate for Higher Divisions

1. Retain the default division as a base for comparison.

Models → Radiation → Edit...

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 8.4.11. Step 10: Iterate for Higher Divisions

a. Retain both Theta Divisions and Phi Divisions as 2.

b. Enter a value of 3 for Theta Pixels and Phi Pixels.
c. Click OK to close the Radiation Model dialog box.

This creates a baseline giving better solution efficiency.

2. Set the under-relaxation factors.

Solution Controls

a. Enter 0.9 for Density.

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

b. Enter 0.9 for Body Forces.

c. Enter 0.6 for Momentum.
3. Request 1000 more iterations.

Run Calculation

The solution will converge in approximately 80 iterations.

4. Save the case and data files (do_2x2_3x3_div.cas.gz and do_2x2_3x3_div.dat.gz).

File → Write → Case & Data...

5. Display temperature profiles for the lens-inner.

Plots → XY Plot → Set Up...

a. Select all the files from the File Data selection list.
b. Click Free Data to remove the files from the list.
c. Retain the settings for Y axis Function and X axis Function.
d. Select lens-inner from the Surfaces selection list.
e. Click Plot.
f. Enable Write to File and click the Write... button to open the Select File dialog box.
i. Enter do_2x2_3x3_div.xy for XY File and close the Select File dialog box.
6. Repeat the procedure for 3 Theta Divisions and Phi Divisions.
a. Save the file as do_3x3_3x3_div.xy.
7. Save the case and data files (do_3x3_3x3_div.cas.gz and do_3x3_3x3_div.dat.gz).

File → Write → Case & Data...

8. Repeat the procedure for 5 Theta Divisions and Phi Divisions.
a. Save the file as do_5x5_3x3_div.xy.
9. Read in all the files for Theta Divisions and Phi Divisions of 2, 3, and 5 and display temperature
profiles.

Make sure you deselect lens-inner from the Surfaces list so that no plots are duplicated.

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 8.4.11. Step 10: Iterate for Higher Divisions

Figure 8.9 Temperature Profiles for Various Theta Divisions

10. Save the case and data files (do_5x5_3x3_div.cas.gz and do_5x5_3x3_div.dat.gz).

File → Write → Case & Data...

11. Compute the total heat transfer rate.

Reports → Fluxes → Set Up...

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

a. Select Total Heat Transfer Rate in the Options group box.

b. Select all zones from the Boundaries selection list.
c. Click Compute.

Note

The net heat load is 6.627 W, which equates to an imbalance of approximately 1.1% when
compared against the heat load of the bulb.

12. Compute the radiation heat transfer rate.

Reports → Fluxes → Set Up...

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 8.4.11. Step 10: Iterate for Higher Divisions

a. Select Radiation Heat Transfer Rate in the Options group box.

b. Retain the selection of all boundary zones from the Boundaries selection list.
c. Click Compute and close the Flux Reports dialog box.

Note

The net heat load is 152.92.

13. Compute the radiation heat transfer rate incident on the surfaces.

Reports → Surface Integrals → Set Up...

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

a. Select Integral from the Report Type drop-down list.

b. Select Wall Fluxes... and Surface Incident Radiation from the Field Variable drop-down lists.
c. Select all surfaces except air-interior and lens-interior from the Surfaces selection list.
d. Click Compute.

The incident load on lens-inner is slightly less than that on the reflector. This is because some radiation has
been absorbed by the housing. However the incident load on the lens-outer is notably lower due to the
amount of radiation which has been absorbed in the solid lens.
14. Compute the reflected radiation flux.

Reports → Surface Integrals → Set Up...

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 8.4.11. Step 10: Iterate for Higher Divisions

a. Retain the selection of Integral from the Report Type drop-down list.
b. Select Wall Fluxes... and Reflected Radiation Flux from the Field Variable drop-down lists.
c. Select all surfaces except air-interior and lens-interior from the Surfaces selection list.
d. Click Compute.

Reflected radiation flux values are printed in the console for all the zones. The zone baffle is facing the fil-
ament and its shadow (baffle-shadow) is facing the lens. There is much more reflection on the filament
side than on the lens side, as expected.

lens-inner is facing the fluid and lens-inner-shadow is facing the lens. Due to different refractive indexes
and non-zero absorption coefficient on the lens, there is some reflection at the interface. Reflection on lens-
inner-shadow is the reflected energy of the incident radiation from the lens side. Reflection on lens-inner
is the reflected energy of the incident radiation from the fluid side.
15. Compute the transmitted radiation flux.

Reports → Surface Integrals → Set Up...

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

a. Retain the selection of Integral from the Report Type drop-down list.
b. Select Wall Fluxes... and Transmitted Radiation Flux from the Field Variable drop-down lists.
c. Ensure that all surfaces are selected except air-interior and lens-interior from the Surfaces se-
lection list.
d. Click Compute.

Transmitted radiation flux values are printed in the console for all the zones. All surfaces are opaque except
lens. Zero transmission for all surfaces indicate that they are opaque.
16. Compute the absorbed radiation flux.

Reports → Surface Integrals → Set Up...

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 8.4.12. Step 11: Make the Reflector Completely Diffuse

a. Retain the selection of Integral from the Report Type drop-down list.
b. Select Wall Fluxes... and Absorbed Radiation Flux from the Field Variable drop-down lists.
c. Ensure that all surfaces are selected except air-interior and lens-interior from the Surfaces se-
lection list.
d. Click Compute.
e. Close the Surface Integrals dialog box.

Absorption will only occur on opaque surface with a non-zero internal emissivity adjacent to participating
cell zones. Note that absorption will not occur on a semi-transparent wall (irrespective of the setting for
internal emissivity). In semi-transparent media, absorption and emission will only occur as a volumetric
effect in the participating media with non-zero absorption coefficients.

8.4.12. Step 11: Make the Reflector Completely Diffuse

1. Read in the case and data files (do_3x3_3x3_div.cas.gz and do_3x3_3x3_div.dat.gz).
2. Increase the diffuse fraction for reflector.

Boundary Conditions → reflector → Edit...

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

a. Click the Radiation tab and enter 1 for Diffuse Fraction.

b. Click OKto close the Wall dialog box.
3. Request another 1000 iterations.

Run Calculation

The solution will converge in approximately 80 additional iterations.

4. Plot the temperature profiles after increasing the diffuse fraction for the reflector.

Plots → XY Plot → Set Up...

a. Save the file as do_3x3_3x3_div_df=1.xy.
b. Save the case and data files as do_3x3_3x3_div_df1.cas.gz and
do_3x3_3x3_div_df1.dat.gz.

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 8.4.13. Step 12: Change the Boundary Type of Baffle

Figure 8.10 Temperature Profile for Higher Diffuse Fraction

8.4.13. Step 12: Change the Boundary Type of Baffle

1. Read in the case and data files (do_3x3_3x3_div.cas.gz and do_3x3_3x3_div.dat.gz).
2. Change the boundary type of baffle to interior.

Boundary Conditions → baffle

a. Select interior from the Type drop-down list.

A Question dialog box will open, asking if you want to change Type of baffle to interior.

b. Click Yes in the Question dialog box.

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Chapter 8: Using the Discrete Ordinates Radiation Model

c. Click OK in the Interior dialog box.

3. Request another 1000 iterations.

Run Calculation

The solution will converge in approximately 160 additional iterations.

4. Plot the temperature profile for baffle interior.

Plots → XY Plot → Set Up...

a. Save the file as do_3x3_3x3_div_baf_int.xy.
b. Save the case and data files as do_3x3_3x3_div_int.cas.gz and
do_3x3_3x3_div_int.dat.gz.

Figure 8.11 Temperature Profile of baffle interior

8.5. Summary
This tutorial demonstrated the modeling of radiation using discrete ordinates (DO) radiation model in ANSYS
FLUENT. In this tutorial, you learned the use of angular discretization and pixelation available in discrete
ordinates radiation model and solved for different values of Pixels and Divisions. You studied the change
in behavior for higher absorption coefficient. Changes in internal emissivity, refractive index, and diffuse
fraction are illustrated with the temperature profile plots.

8.6. Further Improvements

This tutorial guides you through the steps to reach an initial solution. You may be able to obtain a more
accurate solution by using an appropriate higher-order discretization scheme and by adapting the mesh.
Mesh adaption can also ensure that the solution is independent of the mesh. These steps are demonstrated
in Introduction to Using ANSYS FLUENT: Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in a Mixing Elbow (p. 111).

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