Combined Convection–Conduction–Radiation Boundary Layer Flows Using Optimal Control Penalty Finite Elements

Numerical solutions for combined convection and radiation in a laminar boundary layer on an isothermal wall are obtained using optimal control penalty (OCP) finite elements. The integro-differential energy equation is solved without any limitation of optical thickness. The expression for the divergence of radiation flux containing integral terms is written in terms of a one-dimensional radiation field for a flat plate geometry. The radiation interaction effect on the temperature distribution in the boundary layer is described. The solution of the integro-differential energy equation is then compared with known solutions in the limits of optical thickness.