An Integrated Finite Difference (IFD) technique is developed to solve the governing differential equations of the pressure-based model for transient coupled heat and moisture transfer in unsaturated porous media. The technique accommodates complex geometries, wide variation of nonlinear material properties, and Neuman and Dirichlet boundary conditions. A computer code, TRUCHAMP, which incorporates the IFD formulation is presented. Validation of the program has been made by producing mass and energy conservative solutions. Additionally, comparison of results obtained from the TRUCHAMP with those generated by independently developed numerical models yielded excellent correlation. With proper characterization of the material properties and boundary conditions, TRUCHAMP can be employed as a useful tool in assessing the thermal and hydraulic response of the prototype disposal vault for high-level nuclear waste. This program will be useful in solving many heat and mass transport problems encountered in the field of heat storage and underground power cables.

An historical overview of the developments of heat and moisture flow analyses in unsaturated media is compiled with specific reference to works by Philip and deVries, Milly, and Thomas and King. The potential/temperature based governing equations are developed independently and compared with those by other researchers. A numerical solution, TRUCHAMP, based on the integrated finite difference method, was developed to solve the equations for coupled heat and moisture flow problems. The model is verified by comparing its results against those established by other researchers. Excellent correlation is achieved for the base case defined by a set of boundary conditions and material parameters established for Leighton Buzzard medium sand. Sensitivity analyses are conducted on eight material parameters established in the governing equations and their results correlated with the base case at plus/minus twenty percent changes. This work serves as essential information for preliminary design of nuclear waste repositories.

Transport phenomena in porous media continues to be a field which attracts intensive research activity. This is primarily due to the fact that it plays an important and practical role in a large variety of diverse scientific applications. Transport Phenomena in Porous Media II covers a wide range of the engineering and technological applications, including both stable and unstable flows, heat and mass transfer, porosity, and turbulence. Transport Phenomena in Porous Media II is the second volume in a series emphasising the fundamentals and applications of research in porous media. It contains 16 interrelated chapters of controversial, and in some cases conflicting, research, over a wide range of topics. The first volume of this series, published in 1998, met with a very favourable reception. Transport Phenomena in Porous Media II maintains the original concept including a wide and diverse range of topics, whilst providing an up-to-date summary of recent research in the field by its leading practitioners.