Diffusion of gases in porous solids: Simulation and measurements

Progress was made on the theoretical aspects of this research. A number of Monte Carlo simulations for ordinary gas diffusion in Swiss cheese solids were completed. The results are plotted in the attached figure along with results for simulations of diffusion in cannonball solids. Also included in this figure are classical theoretical curves for transport in heterogeneous media. The results of the Monte Carlo simulations agree well with the classical theories. It should be noted that the simulation results and the classical theories are at odds with two frequently used correlations for the tortuosity factor, T, purporting to represent gaseous diffusion in porous solids: T = 1/E, where E = porosity and T = 1/E(2).