Mathematical Modeling and Simulation for Transport in Porous Media

Dr. Moongyu Park

Department of Mathematical Sciences
UA Huntsville

February 13, 2009
219 Shelby Center
3:00 (Refreshements at 2:30)

Abstract

Throughout nature and modern technologies, porous media abound. Natural biological examples include tissues, cells, folded proteins and whole plants and animals. Geophysical examples include soils, aquifers, reservoirs and the earth's lithosphere. Modern technologies involve pores and porous media in many ways. For example, they are involved in chromatography, the atomic and shear forces microscopes, drug delivery substrates, ceramics, protective clothing and water softening. Most solids when viewed on an appropriate scale are porous. Processes taking place in porous systems occur on scales ranging from the atomic such as electron transport in semiconductors to the global, where magma migrates in the upper mantle.

Now we have many serious environmental problems such as air and water pollution. Air pollution may be blamed for honeybee population collapse and respiratory diseases. Groundwater has been contaminated in many areas. It is also a big issue in public health to store nuclear wastes in safe places. They are directly related to porous media problems.

To understand transport in porous media, mathematical modeling and simulations have been developed with field experiments. We will discuss the mathematical theories and challenges, and numerical approaches in these areas.