Simulation of gaseous diffusion in partially saturated porous media under variable gravity with lattice Boltzmann methods

Water Resour Res. 2005 Aug;41(8):W08410. doi: 10.1029/2004wr003821.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Culture Media
  • Diffusion*
  • Ecological Systems, Closed
  • Gases / chemistry*
  • Gravitation
  • Hydroponics*
  • Life Support Systems
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Plant Roots / growth & development
  • Porosity*
  • Soil
  • Space Flight
  • Water / chemistry
  • Weightlessness

Substances

  • Culture Media
  • Gases
  • Soil
  • Water