VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

151-0185-00L 4 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-ARCH , D-MAVT

Radiation Heat Transfer

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Aldo Steinfeld, Dr. Peter Pozivil
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:48:42

Abstract

Advanced course in radiation heat transfer

Objective

Fundamentals of radiative heat transfer and its applications. Examples are combustion and solar thermal/thermochemical processes, and other applications in the field of energy conversion and material processing.

Content

1. Introduction to thermal radiation. Definitions. Spectral and directional properties. Electromagnetic spectrum. Blackbody and gray surfaces. Absorptivity, emissivity, reflectivity. Planck's Law, Wien's Displacement Law, Kirchhoff's Law. 2. Surface radiation exchange. Diffuse and specular surfaces. Gray and selective surfaces. Configuration factors. Radiation exchange. Enclosure theory, radiosity method. Monte Carlo. 3.Absorbing, emitting and scattering media. Extinction, absorption, and scattering coefficients. Scattering phase function. Optical thickness. Equation of radiative transfer. Solution methods: discrete ordinate, zone, Monte-Carlo. 4. Applications. Cavities. Selective surfaces and media. Semi-transparent windows. Combined radiation-conduction-convection heat transfer.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture Notes containing copies of the presented slides.

Literature

R. Siegel, J.R. Howell, Thermal Radiation Heat Transfer, 3rd. ed., Taylor & Francis, New York, 2002. M. Modest, Radiative Heat Transfer, Academic Press, San Diego, 2003.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
Open material; standard scientific calculator.
Open-book, 2-hour, written exam during the last week of the semester.Learning task: Monte-Carlo programming project is optional. If completed and handed in, it can increase the total course unit grade by 0.25 grade points.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Radiation Heat Transfer
Online lecture: This lecture will primarily take place online. Reserved rooms will remain blocked on campus for students to follow the course from there.
  • Thu 10:15-12:00 (ML F 39)
2 h weekly
exercise Radiation Heat Transfer
Online event: Will primarily take place online. Reserved rooms will remain blocked on campus for students to follow the course from there.
  • Thu 12:15-13:00 (ML F 39)
1 h weekly

Offered In