Nonlinear two-dimensional potential based study of coupled heat and mass transfer in a porous medium

This paper deals with nonlinear analysis of coupled heat and mass transfer in a porous medium using a potential based model of the phenomenon. A numerical example is given to validate the model developed. The model is solved using a finite element scheme by simulation of experimental data. The hat and mass transfer are coupled phenomena studied in a wet sand bed heated with a electrical source. This is extended for unsaturated and saturated conditions. The heat transfer is dependent on the pore saturation, conductivity and the electrical potential gradient in the soil bed.