A Procedure for View Factor Calculation Using the Finite-Volume Method

This article presents a finite-volume method to calculate view factors between surfaces of control volumes. A simple approach, which does not lead to the increase in memory requirement with increasing angular grid, is used. The spatial and angular resolution errors are resolved by grid refinements. The procedure can handle straight-edged, inclined, and curved boundaries. Blockages due to internal obstructions and boundaries can also be accommodated. Five problems are examined and the exact solutions are reproduced.