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Simulation of gaseous diffusion in partially saturated porous media under variable gravity with lattice Boltzmann methods
Author(s) -
Chau Jessica Furrer,
Or Dani,
Sukop Michael C.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/2004wr003821
Subject(s) - lattice boltzmann methods , porous medium , porosity , diffusion , mechanics , lattice (music) , lattice gas automaton , gravitation , boltzmann constant , materials science , thermodynamics , physics , classical mechanics , composite material , stochastic cellular automaton , automaton , astronomy , acoustics
Liquid distributions in unsaturated porous media under different gravitational accelerations and corresponding macroscopic gaseous diffusion coefficients were investigated to enhance understanding of plant growth conditions in microgravity. We used a single‐component, multiphase lattice Boltzmann code to simulate liquid configurations in two‐dimensional porous media at varying water contents for different gravity conditions and measured gas diffusion through the media using a multicomponent lattice Boltzmann code. The relative diffusion coefficients ( D rel ) for simulations with and without gravity as functions of air‐filled porosity were in good agreement with measured data and established models. We found significant differences in liquid configuration in porous media, leading to reductions in D rel of up to 25% under zero gravity. The study highlights potential applications of the lattice Boltzmann method for rapid and cost‐effective evaluation of alternative plant growth media designs under variable gravity.