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Simulation of gaseous diffusion in partially saturated porous media under variable gravity with lattice Boltzmann methodsLiquid 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.
Document ID
20050231785
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Chau, Jessica Furrer
(University of Connecticut Storrs, Connecticut, United States)
Or, Dani
Sukop, Michael C.
Steinberg, S. L.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 2005
Publication Information
Publication: Water resources research
Volume: 41
Issue: 8
ISSN: 0043-1397
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG9-1284
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Center JSC
NASA Discipline Life Support Systems

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