Learning Forum

[Bha Kuri]

I am modelling the drying of a wet porous block using the Eulerian multiphase model in Fluent. The block is initially wet, with liquid water patched into the porous zone. One face is held at 80 °C, the opposite face is exposed to ambient air. The surrounding air is not modelled; the ambient side is imposed as a boundary condition. The temperature stays below boiling throughout, so the water leaves by evaporation into unsaturated air rather than by boiling.

I have looked through the theory guide and a number of papers but have not been able to find a clear answer on which model applies here. Which option in the Phase Interaction panel should I use: Evaporation-Condensation (Lee model), Thermal Phase Change, or Species Mass Transfer?

[Rob]

I'd use Lee or Thermal Phase change, probably the latter. However, there is also a vapour partial pressure to consider that's not included in the base model. 

Species transfer is more intended for solvent extraction and the like.