Comparison of calculation methods and models in software for computer graphics and radiative heat exchange

Abs tract: The paper describes the physical backgrounds for modelling in visualisation using computer graphics soft ware and in programs of radiative heat exchange. Physical phenomena in both cases (generation, propagation, reflection and absorption of light and radiative heat flux) are quite similar, provided with basic equations, typical simplification assumptions and the most frequently applied methods of resolving such issues. Various models applied in radiative heat transfer and computer graphics software are compared. The similarity and differences of algorithms for both tasks are determined and replaceability conditions are enumerated. Formulas are provided to convert thermal boundary values (temperature and power density) into luminous or radiant quantities (luminance) and vice versa. A possible scope of shared computations is also outlined.