Continuum radiative heat transfer modeling in media consisting of optically distinct components in the limit of geometrical optics

Continuum-scale equations of radiative transfer and corresponding boundary conditions are derived for a general case of a multi-component medium consisting of arbitrary-type, non-isothermal and non-uniform components in the limit of geometrical optics. The link between the discrete and continuum scales is established by volume averaging of the discrete-scale equations of radiative transfer by applying the spatial averaging theorem. Precise definitions of the continuum-scale radiative properties are formulated while accounting for the radiative interactions between the components at their interfaces. Possible applications and simplifications of the presented general equations are discussed. Published by Elsevier Ltd.