Micro-Scale Model of Thermomechanics in Solidifying Saturated Porous Media

This article analyses processes accompanying solidification of a liquid-saturated porous medium by means of thermomechanical balance and admitting difference in density of liquid and solid phases. Complexity of these processes is given by the inherent heterogeneity of the volume occupied both by grains and pores of the medium. To understand details, we consider elementary pore configuration at the micro-scale. We have developed a micro-scale model describing mechanical, thermal, and phase change processes within a porous medium. The model provides spatio-temporal dependences of key variables and allows to evaluate the stresses caused by the difference in the specific volumes of the present phases.