A mathematical framework for modelling 3D coupled THM phenomena within saturated porous media undergoing finite strains

A mathematical formulation of a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical model for saturated porous media undergoing finite deformations is presented. The model, developed by unifying some of the most relevant works on poromechanics, introduces a reformulation of the stored energy function, the inclusion of thermo-osmotic effects as well as the adoption of a permeability tensor depending on deformation. Analytical solutions are derived to qualitatively evidence the features of the proposed approach, showing a good agreement with similar results reported in literature. Different thermal osmosis scenarios are additionally evaluated, particularly referring to negative thermal osmosis, positive thermal osmosis and no osmosis, so predicting the relevance of such a parameter when analysing water transport and mechanical deformation of porous media.