Open AccessA geometrical constraint on shadowing in rough surfaces
Author(s) -
J Theiler,
Bradley G. Henderson
Publication year - 1997
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/532451
Subject(s) - emissivity , surface (topology) , constraint (computer aided design) , facet (psychology) , rough surface , section (typography) , geometry , meteorology , geology , mathematics , computer science , optics , physics , materials science , psychology , social psychology , personality , composite material , big five personality traits , operating system
In modeling the thermal emissivity of a rough surface, such as wind-driven waves on a lake or ocean, it is customary to treat the surface as a collection of individual facets, each of which is flat but tilted with respect to the horizontal. By considering a one-dimensional cross-section through the rough surface, the authors derive a purely geometrical constraint on the statistical distribution of shadowed facet slopes that should be satisfied by any model of surface emissivity that includes the effect of self-shadowing. The purpose is not to develop a single shadowing model, but to provide a condition that any valid shadowing model should satisfy. Although the emphasis of the presentation is theoretical, some practical ramifications will also be discussed