Discrete models of liquid-vapour phase change phenomena in porous media

Abstract

This survey presents recent developments in the modelling of liquid-vapor phase change phenomena in porous media within the framework of the discrete approach. The pore network (or discrete) approach is first illustrated through the example of the evaporation at low capillary number of a pure liquid from a capillary porous medium. In particular, it is shown that invasion percolation patterns characterise the phase distribution. Then first results concerning the vaporisation of a liquid within the porous wick of a capillary evaporator are presented. These results show that capillary fingering patterns can be expected within the wick.