STOMP Course

Problem 10 – Simulation of Countercurrent Flow and Heat Transport with Local Evaporation and Condensation (Natural Heat Pipe)

Abstract: This heat pipe problem demonstrates the simulator's ability to model countercurrent aqueous and gas flow in variably saturated geologic media, including saturations below residual saturation. As posed, the problem involves one-dimensional horizontal flow and heat transport, but this classic multifluid subsurface flow and transport problem involves complex flow behavior, which is subtle to changes in soil properties. The user will first explore the affects of changes in soil thermal conductivity, specific heat, and enhanced vapor transport on the formation and temperature distribution for a horizontal one-dimensional heat pipe. After completing these investigations the user is asked to design an input file for a two-dimensional problem involving dynamic heat pipe flow.