The linear Boltzmann equation in slab geometry: Development and verification of a reliable and efficient solution

K. Stamnes, Lie-Svendsen, M. H. Rees

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

We show that the linear Boltzmann equation can be cast in a fonn mathematically identical to the radiation transport equation. A multi-group procedure is used to reduce the energy (or velocity) dependence of the transport equation to a series of one-speed problems. Each of these one-speed problems is equivalent to the monochromatic radiative transfer problem, and we utilize existing software to solve this problem in slab geometry. The numerical code conserves particles in elastic collisions. Generic examples are provided to illustrate the applicability of this approach. Although this formalism can, in principle, be applied to a variety of test particle or linearized gas dynamics problems, it is particularly well suited to study the thermalization of suprathermal particles interacting with a background medium when the thermal motion of the background cannot be ignored. Extensions of our formalism to include external forces and spherical geometry are also feasible.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1435-1463
Number of pages29
JournalPlanetary and Space Science
Volume39
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1991

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The linear Boltzmann equation in slab geometry: Development and verification of a reliable and efficient solution'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this