DEVELOPMENT OF THE EFFECTIVE MEDIUM THEORY APPLICABILITY MAP
11th International Symposium on Radiative Transfer, RAD 2025, Kusadasi, Turkey, 15 - 20 June 2025, pp.231-238, (Full Text)
- Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
- Doi Number: 10.1615/rad-25.300
- City: Kusadasi
- Country: Turkey
- Page Numbers: pp.231-238
- Middle East Technical University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Effective Medium Theories (EMTs) are often used for estimating optical properties of particulate systems by modeling them as if they were homogeneous based on average properties. These approaches should be handled cautiously due to their limited validity ranges. This study provides an applicability map based on electromagnetic theory that outlines the particle size parameter and concentration regions where Maxwell-Garnett and Bruggeman EMTs provide reliable results. Maxwell’s equation solution of a representative particle ensemble and the scattering characteristics of ensemble’s boundary is compared with an equivalent Mie solution of by using effective refractive index to find the valid regions where EMTs are applicable. Both EMTs are found to be valid for size parameters under 0.45. However, at higher volume fractions, this size parameter limit extends for Bruggeman theory and it becomes more reliable compared to the Maxwell-Garnett theory.