On a generalised G-function in radiative transfer theory of turbid vegetation media

Abstract

The simplified approach of a turbid medium is commonly applied in theory of radiative transfer for vegetation media. Oriented planar model leaves are assumed whose normals are always confined to the upper half space. These orientations are described with the help of so-called leaf normal distribution functions (LNDFs) so that, within the scope of the turbid theory, a radiative transfer equation can be derived in which the so-called Ross-Nilson function G occurs explicitly. This function, as introduced by J. Ross, is based on geometrical considerations and is therefore called geometry function, or shortly G-function (GF). To solve the latter equation G must be known. GF is calculated from the LNDF and was originally derived in an explicit and analytical form for strongly simplified LNDFs only. We demonstrated in a previous work that GF can be calculated also for other standard LNDFs. Based on the latter LNDFs we introduce here a generalised trigonometric LNDF and present the respective formula for G.