Configuration factors for ground level fireballs with shadowing

Abstract This paper presents new configuration factors for a fireball located at ground level, as radiation emitting source, and a differential receiver, considering the shadow effect of a third finite area that stands between them. The configuration factors were obtained with the combination of a numerical method and a ray-tracing algorithm and are summarized in form of a practical single chart. This work contributes significantly to the knowledge of configuration factors between a sphere and a differential receiver considering the shadow effect because so far, there are no references in existing catalogs in the literature about this specific geometry. Configuration factors serve as inputs for surface-to-surface radiation transport calculations and other like. In chemical engineering, the radiant field produced by a fireball has a strong interest in consequences assessment. Current fireball models do not consider the shadow effect, overestimating vulnerability by thermal radiation and leading to greater safety distances. A case study has been performed to show the interference of a protection wall with respect to the radiation intensity received by a target.