Modelling Diffusion in a Physically Constrained System : A Numerical Approach

Diffusion has been described on a microscopic scale by Einstein as a probabilistic collision of particles. On a macroscale, diffusion has been thoroughly described by Fick’s laws. However, the solutions to Fick’s laws are limited to idealized physical systems. The aim of this experimental study is to provide a mathematical model for diffusion which incorporates both macroscopic and microscopic properties to effectively model diffusion in a geometrically constrained two-dimensional system. Based on macroscopic and microscopic properties, two-dimensional diffusion was modelled as a summation of equally probable paths of diffusion. The point source diffusion of hydrochloric acid in an arena with variable barrier dimensions was monitored continuously using a pH probe. The numerical solution of the mathematical model for each experimental condition was determined and the pre-exponential factor was fit to the measurements. The average pre-exponential value was determined for each experimental condition, and t-scores were calculated to compare the average pre-exponential values which were found to be statistically similar. This indicates that the proposed model is an accurate model as it predicts identical pre-exponential values between experimental conditions, accounting for all variants that it attempts to model. This model provides a bridge between the microscopic and macrcoscopic theoretical descriptions of diffusion that were independently postulated by Einstein and Fick. Applications of the model include the approximation of locations of leakage in hydraulic systems.Science, Faculty ofChemistry, Department ofReviewedUndergraduat