A cellular automaton technique for the solution of a model of glass corrosion

A cellular automaton numerical simulation technique has been used to model float glass corrosion caused by the exposure of glass to humid conditions. Four processes were assumed to take place: mass transfer of water vapour from bulk gas to the glass surface, adsorption of water at the glass surface, diffusion of water from the glass surface to the glass bulk and reaction of water within the bulk glass. These processes constitute the foundations of the model presented here. The objective is to compare the amount of water uptake in the simulation results in the early stages with the experimental results from gravimetric analysis. The cellular automaton solution technique was found to be robust, versatile and computationally efficient. The model results compared favourably to experimental data for mass uptake of water. This solution technique can readily be adapted to include other mass transfer mechanisms and glass chemistry and therefore it is recommended for further use in the field of glass corrosion

Constructing an engineering model for moisture migration in bulk solids as a prelude to predicting moisture migration caking

The aim of this study was to examine one of the mechanisms behind moisture migration caking, where liquid solution bridges form between particles in a bulk solid system because of an increase in local relative humidity, and then solidify as the local relative humidity drops - the effect being increased as more cycles occur. The goal was to develop a one-dimensional model for the heat and mass transfer processes involved, based on established physics and the characteristic moisture sorption curve of the solid (in this case sugar). The model was verified using scaled-down equipment (a caking box) to simulate the caking in a big bag. The results of this study will assist in the prediction of caking produced in this way