Estudo analítico e numérico da difusão de massa em parede infinita aplicado a secagem de telhas.

Abstract

The diffusive model has been widely used in the description of processes that involve transport phenomena. In this perspective, this work aims to study theoretically and experimentally the diffusion process in one dimension, for solids that can have their approximate geometry for an infinite wall. Analytical and numerical solutions of the unidimensional diffusion equation in transient regime were used for the description of mass transfer processes. The numerical solution used was obtained by the numerical method of the finite volumes, with a totally implicit formulation. The process parameters were obtained through an inverse method, where coupled optimizers were used analytical and numerical solutions. The mass diffusivity was considered constant or variable with the local moisture content. The mathematical tools used were applied to the drying of ceramic tiles for three experimental conditions. The results showed that the process parameters increase if the drying temperature is increased, causing the process time to decrease. Regarding thermophysical parameters, the values obtained were consistent with other studies in the literature. It was possible to conclude that the numerical solution presents considerably more precise results as the simulation of the drying kinetics of the process, in relation to the results obtained with the analytical solutions.