A non‐linear, two‐dimensional, potential‐based analysis of coupled heat and mass transfer in a porous medium

The subject of this paper is the non‐linear analysis of coupled heat and mass transfer in a porous medium, using a potential‐based model of the phenomenon. The work presented describes an extension of the previous work of the authors, to two‐dimensional applications. Problems of greater complexity and engineering significance can hence be solved. Two applications are considered. Results from the first example, a straightforward test case, serve to highlight a number of aspects of coupled heat and mass flow. Furthermore, the problem is used to establish the validity of the numerical solution by comparisons of the results with an independent solution algorithm. The second example consists of the assessment of the ability of the formulation to describe experimentally observed behaviour by means of the simulation of laboratory experimental work. Very good correlation is obtained between numerical and experimental results. Confidence is thus gained in the theoretical basis of the work. Overall it may be concluded that the approach proposed is capable of describing coupled heat and mass transfer in porous materials.