Research description
We consider problems appearing as microscopic models in soil chemistry. Specifically, we investigate reactive flow in porous media. At the pore scale chemical processes are encountered both within the transporting fluid, where solutes may diffuse, react, or be transported, as well as at the surface of the grains, where adsorption, diffusion, reaction, or precipitation and dissolution may occur. This leads to reaction-diffusion and transport systems defined in a complex domain, which are coupled by reaction rates and isotherms at the interface between pores and grains (a lower dimensional manifold).

Microscopic models are much too complicated for being approached by standard methods, and large-scale simulations can hardly be performed at this level. Moreover, the main interest is often in the macroscopic behaviour, so macroscopic models are important. Homogenization is a powerful tool for deriving upscaled models. It also provides useful information to construct appropriate numerical algorithms. Referring to chemical processes in porous media, homogenization results are known for linear rates, or nonlinearities of certain types. Realistic models are by far not covered by the situations mentioned.

Another difficulty appears when microscopic processes lead to changes in the local geometry, or in the properties of the transporting fluid. The aim of this research is to give a rigorous mathematical derivation of macroscopic models, sustained by analysis and numerical simulation.

Associate partners

• CWI
• Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
• Technische Universiteit Delft
• IWR University of Heidelberg
• University of Lyon
• IAM University of Erlangen
• IWS University of Stuttgart

MSV1.3 Researchers funded by BRICKS

• Prof.dr.ir. C.J. van Duijn (TU/e)
• Dr. T. van Noorden (TU/e)

For more information, please refer to the publications and posters of this project.