tisdag 14 april 2015

Unphysical Schwarzschild vs Physical Model for Radiative Transfer

The basic model for radiative heat transfer in a horisontal slab atmosphere, with vertical coordinate $x$ with $x=0$ at the Earth surface and $x=X$ at the top of the atmosphere, was formulated by Schwarzschild in 1906 as a two-stream  gross-flow model in terms of a gross upward heat flux $F^+(x)$ and a gross downward heat flux  $F^-(x)$ satisfying the following advection-absorption equations for $0\lt x\lt X$:
  • $\frac{dF^+}{dx} + F^+ = Q$               (1)
  • $-\frac{dF^-}{dx} + F^- = Q$               (2) 
where $Q(x) =\sigma T(x)^4$ is supposed to express Stefan-Boltzmann's law with $T(x)$ the temperature at $x$ and $\sigma$ Stefan-Boltzmann's constant, and $x$ serves as an optical coordinate normalizing absorption. The atmosphere is supposed to be heated from below at $x=0$ by a heat source $H$, and the heat is radiatively transported to the top of the atmosphere from where it is radiated into outer space at 0 K. Conservation of heat energy gives the additional equation
  • $F^+-F^- = H$,                                      (3)
from which follows by adding/subtracting (2) from (1) that $F^+ + F^-=2Q$ and $\frac{d(F^++F^-)}{dx}=-H$ and thus:
  • $2Q(x) = H(X-x)+H$,                          (4)
  • $F^+ =\frac{H}{2}(X-x)+H$
  • $F^-=\frac{H}{2}(X-x)$                        
which determines the temperature profile $T(x)$. We note that Schwarzschild's model with linear $Q(x)$, is very simplistic. Only a model with $Q(x)$ constant could be more simplistic.

Schwarzschild's equations (1-2) are supposed to express conservation of upward and downward heat fluxes through a thin atmospheric layer radiating both upward and downward according to Stefan-Boltzmann in the form $Q(x) =\sigma T(x)^4$.

Schwarzschild's two-stream model is unphysical in the sense that the gross downward flux $F^-$ is directed against the temperature gradient and thus violates the 2nd law of thermodynamics. Further, the two sided radiation up/down according to $Q(x) =\sigma T(x)^4$ in (1-2) is also unphysical, because  $Q(x) =\sigma T(x)^4$ is the blackbody radiation into a background at 0 K, which is not the case. Scwarzschild's model is thus doubly unphysical and we shall now see that the unphysical aspects do not cancel to give a physical model.

Let us thus compare Schwarschild's unphysical two-stream gross-flow model with a one-stream net-flow model based on Stefan-Boltzmann's law in its correct physical form
  • $Q=\sigma (T_2^4-T_1^4)$                     (5)
as the net radiative heat transfer radiative between two blackbodies of temperature $T_1$ and $T_2$ with $T_2>T_1$, in accordance with the 2nd law with heat transfer from warm to cold (but not the other way).

We then start from the following balance equation expressing that the total inflow of heat at a thin layer at level $0\lt x\lt X$ from layers at levels $y$ with $0\le y\lt x$, equals the total outflow into levels $x\lt y\le X$:
  • $\int_0^x\sigma (T(y)^4-T(x)^4)\exp(-\alpha (x-y))dy = \int_x^X\sigma (T(x)^4-T(y)^4)\exp(-\alpha (y-x))dy$
  • $+H\exp(-\alpha x)$                                                         (6)
with the exponential factor $\exp(-\alpha\vert x-y\vert )$ accounting for the absorption between levels $x$ and $y$ with a non-negative absorption coefficient $\alpha$, and the term $H\exp(-\alpha x)$ accounts for the effect of the heat source $H$ at $x=0$, and $\sigma T(X)^4 = H$.

Reshuffling terms in (6), we obtain the following integral equation in $Q(x)=\sigma T(x)^4$ for $0\le x\le X$
  • $ \int_0^xQ(y)\exp(-\alpha (x-y))dy+ \int_x^XQ(y)\exp(-\alpha (y-x))dy$
  • $= Q(x)(\int_0^x\exp(-\alpha (x-y))dy+ \int_x^X\exp(-\alpha (y-x))dy)+H\exp(-\alpha x)$,
which can be written
  •  $Q(x)-c(x)\int_0^XQ(y)\exp(-\alpha\vert x-y\vert )dy =-c(x)H\exp(-\alpha x)$   (7)
for $0\le x\le X$ with $c(x) = 1/(2-\exp(-\alpha x)-\exp(-\alpha (X-x)),$ which together with the outflow condition $Q(1) = H$ determines $Q(x)$ uniquely as the solution of a Fredholm integral equation of the 2nd kind.

To compare with the two-stream model, let us formally split Stefan-Boltzmann's equation (5) algebraically into the (unphysical) form
  • $Q=\sigma T_2^4-\sigma T_1^4$                   (8)  
and rewrite (6) accordingly collecting positive terms and writing $Q(x)=\sigma T(x)^4$ as above, into
  • $A+B = C+D+E$                                                  (9)
  • $A(x)= \int_0^xQ(y)\exp(-(x-y))dy$
  • $B(x)= \int_x^XQ(y)\exp(-(y-x))dy$
  • $C(x)=Q(x)(1-\exp(-x))$
  • $D(x)=Q(x)(1-\exp(-(X-x))$
  • $E(x) = H\exp(-\alpha x)$. 
To compare the models we observe that by the definitions of $A$ and $B$:
  • $\frac{dA}{dx}+A = Q$
  • $-\frac{dB}{dx}+B = Q$
which shows that $A$ corresponds to $F^+$ and $B$ to $F^-$.  We recall that
  • $F^+ + F^-=2Q$ 
which we we compare with (9):
  • $A+B=C+D+E=Q(2-\exp(-x)-\exp(X-x))+H\exp(-\alpha x)$,
to conclude that the two models are not identical, and so the models give different temperature distributions. 

The lesson is that radiative heat transfer should better be modeled using the physical one-stream net-flow correct form of Stefan-Boltzmann's law (5). Using the unphysical two-stream gross-flow form (1-2) can lead to unphysical results.

It is possible that an unphysical gross-flow model can give a physically meaningful result by happy cancellation of unphysical gross-flow aspects. But to rely on an unphysical model to derive conclusions about real physics is risky because the happy cancellation may not be granted, in particular not if the question concerns the effect of perturbations, as is the case in global warming modeling.

The unphysical aspects of Schwarzschild's model are:
  1. The downward flux $F^-$ violates the 2nd law.
  2. The downward flux $F^-$ generates unphysical absorption in (2).
  3. The basic equations (1) and (2) do not represent correct physics. 
Despite these shortcomings, Schwarzschild's model has come to serve as the basic model of atmospheric radiation supporting CO2 alarmism.  The unphysical of nature of this basic model gives one reason to view also CO2 alarmism to be unphysical.

In a following post we will solve the integral equation (7) and compare with Schwarzschild's solution. To start with we note that for $\alpha$ large (7) approaches $\frac{d^2Q}{dx^2}=0$ resulting in a linear $Q(x)$ as in Schwarzschilds model. More generally, the physical model (7) is close to Schwrzschilds model in the trivial cases of a nearly opaque and transparent atmosphere, but not so in the more relevant case in between.

The integral equation (7) can by differentiation be turned into a (diffusion-advection-absorption) ordinary linear differential equation.

14 kommentarer:

  1. I think this must be the final nail in the AGW "back radiation" dogma, and thus there is no credibility left. However, it has never been about science, but politics, power and "redistribution of wealth" unfortunately from poor people to the rich elite and AGW activists.

    SvaraRadera
  2. Why does the downward radiative flux violate the 2nd law.
    It is not a heat flux.

    SvaraRadera
  3. The downward flux F− violates the 2nd law.

    This statement of Mr. Johnson is wrong. Downward Flux is not heat.

    SvaraRadera
  4. Your Statement #1 is wrong. Downward flux is not heat.

    SvaraRadera
  5. What kind of flux is it then? In what units is it measured?

    SvaraRadera
  6. It is an energy flux since it doesn't depend on temperature differences.

    If you sum up all energy fluxes over a control surface you get the heat flux.

    It is measured in [W/m^2] or [W] if you integrate it over a control surface.

    SvaraRadera
  7. 1) You are using Stefan-Boltzmanns law for a perfect black body (i.e. a body that absorbs/emits radiation on all wavelengths), to get a more realistic model you must include the emissitivity of each body < 1.
    2) You state: "Schwarzschild's two-stream model is unphysical in the sense that the gross downward flux F− is directed against the temperature gradient and thus violates the 2nd law of thermodynamics."
    Physics does not state that there will be a 'gross downward flux F-', as mentioned the emissitivity will be less than 1, i.e the upper body will always absorb/emit less than 1. You can only argue this if you somehow increase emisitivity to > 1.
    3) Stefan-Boltzmann states that absorption/emission ONLY depends on the temperature of the body itself. You find no dependencies on the surroundings.
    This is also in accordance with what Max Planck states in his lectures:
    "The capacity for emission and the capacity for absorption of an element of a body depend only upon its own condition and not upon that of the surrounding elements. If, therefore, as we shall assume in what follows, the state of the body varies only with the temperature, then the capacity for emission and the capacity for absorption of the body will also vary only with the temperature. The dependence upon the temperature can of course be different for each wave length."
    Page 53 in Max Placks lectures: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/39017/39017-pdf.pdf?session_id=b1e4787668768e20ed61e29c04adc37d86af48ad

    SvaraRadera
  8. This is an interesting observation, which shows that Planck himself was confused.

    SvaraRadera
  9. Notice that Planck says "capacity" for absorption/emission is independent of surroundings, which is different from saying that a body absorbs/emits independent of surrounding elements. Of course the "capacity" of a murderer to murder mat be independent of victim, but of course any actual murder depends on the presence and nature of a victim.

    SvaraRadera
  10. Planck was not confused when stating "capacity" but appearently this is misunderstood to mean actual emission which always occurs in interplay with surroundings.

    SvaraRadera
  11. @Claes Johnson

    Planck writes in his Book "Wärmestrahlung" on page 7:

    "Doch es gilt allgemein der Erfahrungssatz, dass die Emission eines Körperelements nur von den Vorgängen innerhalb des Körperelements. Ein Körper A von 100 Grad Celsius emittiert gegen einen ihm gegenüber befindlichen Körper B von 0 Grad Celsius genau dieselbe Waermestrahlung, wie gegen einen gleichgroßen und gleichgelegenen Körper B' von 1000 Grad Celsius", ..."

    I think it is you who confuses something.

    SvaraRadera
  12. It is remarkable that Planck says "es gilt allegemein der Erfahrungssats" which is something like "it is a general experience". It is not clear how to interprete this statement. What is "general experience"? Or does Planck mean "common experience" like feeling heat from a stove? The fact is that only the net heat transfer can be measured and thus really experienced. Planck probably means something like "common assumption" which can be anything.

    SvaraRadera
  13. @ Günter Heß,

    First there is a distinction between Kirchhoff’s Law of Thermal Emission and Planck’s equation for thermal spectra. Second, a blackbody is defined as one which absorbs all light that falls upon it, i.e. there is no reflection. Third, at thermal equilibrium Emission = Absorption. Fourth, there is a distinction between a blackbody and a dead black. A dead black absorbs all radiation that falls upon it (no reflection) but also emits nothing. An interesting example of a dead black is the wings of a Monarch butterfly.

    Kirchhoff’s Law of Thermal Emission: The radiation within an arbitrary cavity at thermal equilibrium is always blackbody radiation, and the ratio between the emissive power E and absorptive power A is a universal function of only temperature T and frequency v: [E/A = f(T, v)]. The nature of the materials plays no part in determining the radiation. Also, Emission = Absorption at thermal equilibrium.

    Planck’s equation for thermal spectra: Is universal: independent of the nature of the material emitting thermal radiation, dependent only upon temperature and frequency; in accordance with Kirchhoff’s Law of Thermal Emission.

    Notes:
    (1) Emission = Absorption at thermal equilibrium is actually Stewart’s Law of Equivalence. Kirchhoff (1859) ‘borrowed’ it from Stewart (1858), without acknowledging Stewart’s priority.
    (2) According to Kirchhoff even a cavity made of a theoretical perfect reflector at thermal equilibrium contains blackbody radiation, just as if the cavity was made of a truly black material such as lampblack (i.e. soot). However, Kirchhoff is wrong. A perfectly reflecting material cannot emit a single photon because its emissivity is 0, and so a cavity made from such a theoretical material is incapable of containing any radiation, let alone blackbody radiation. Contrarily, Planck asserted that a perfectly reflecting cavity at thermal equilibrium can contain any radiation field whatsoever, but when a small carbon particle is placed inside this cavity, black radiation results because the carbon particle acts as a catalyst. However, Planck is wrong; his carbon particle is a blackbody and so takes with it its radiation field, and thereby floods the cavity with black radiation. It is not a catalyst at all - it is the source of blackbody radiation within the perfectly reflecting cavity.
    (3) Planck’s equation for thermal spectra applies only to blackbodies at thermal equilibrium because he assumed the validity of Kirchhoff’s Law of Thermal Emission, which made all cavity radiation black. Consequently, Planck’s equation for thermal spectra is not universal. There is no universal function as envisaged by Kirchhoff. Not only did Planck assume the validity of Kirchhoff’s Law of Thermal Emission, he claimed to have proven it theoretically. However, his proof is false. Not only is his proof false, Kirchhoff’s Law of Thermal Emission is also false.
    (4) Planck’s ‘natural units’ are nothing more than arbitrary scales, like the mile or the kilometre. There are no such things as ‘natural units’.
    (5) Einstein’s ‘proof’ of Kirchhoff’s Law of Thermal Emission is false, because in deriving Planck’s equation for thermal spectra he did the same as Planck; he made all cavity radiation black, and Einstein did this by invoking a Wein field in the course of his ‘proof’, a field which only occurs in blackbody radiation (i.e. from a black material such as soot).
    (6) Here is the proof that Kirchhoff’s Law of Thermal emission is false and that Planck’s equation for thermal spectra is not universal:

    Robitaille P.-M., Crothers S. J. "The Theory of Heat Radiation" Revisited: A Commentary on the Validity of Kirchhoff's Law of Thermal Emission and Max Planck's Claim of Universality, Progress in Physics, v. 11, p.120-132, (2015),
    http://vixra.org/pdf/1502.0007v1.pdf

    Stephen J. Crothers

    SvaraRadera
  14. You've offered a version of the Schwarzchild equation that doesn't match what I've seen elsewhere. (I've got lots of books on radiative transfer.) The standard Schwarzchild equation is a differential equation for the intensity of radiation of a given wavelength propagating in a particular direction, not a equation for all-wavelengths hemispherical flux (as you seem to be assuming), and it uses the Planck function, not the Stefan-Boltzmann formula as you've offered. You've also omitted any explicit mention of the emission/absorption coefficient, though perhaps that has been encoded into the coordinate x? There seem to be no conceivable conditions under which the standard form would be equivalent to the equations you have offered.

    Can you offer a reference to where you got your version of the (alleged) Schwarzchild equations from? It seems as if you're critiquing an equation that doesn't match what anybody uses for radiative transfer calculations.

    Your alternate model, equation (6), seems to be self-contradictory. It references a finite absorption per unit length, 𝛂, but seemingly posits an emissivity of 1 no matter how thinly the atmosphere is sliced. I see no possible rationalization that could render this a correct equation.

    So, it would appear that you are comparing two results, both of which are based on incorrect premises.

    As another commenter noted, your premise that a downward radiative flux is "non-physical since it goes against the temperature gradient" is false. What can't go against the temperature gradient is "heat" flow. However, in thermodynamics, heat is defined as "net energy transfer produced by a temperature difference." The radiative heat flux is the net radiative flux, (F↑ - F ↓) or (F^(+) - F^(-)). That radiative heat flux flows in the direction of decreasing temperature, as expected. The individual radiative fluxes are not "heat" and are not individually subject to the Second Law of thermodynamics.

    As a minor note, it seems odd for you to label the initial equations as "advection-absorption equations" and then do an analysis which implicitly assumes no advection/convection. (The real Schwarzchild equation works just fine even if convection is present, but non-radiative heat transport does need to be taken into account if any "conservation of energy" arguments are made, as you have done. Likely, you were assuming a purely radiative equilibrium? But, if so, your mention of "advection" seems odd.)

    Robert Wentworth, Ph.D. Applied Physics

    SvaraRadera