Mathematical Modelling of the Moisture Retaining Characteristic of Clay Soil Over Some Other Soil Types

Abstract

The characteristic of clay soil to retain moisture better than some other soil types was modelled. Relevant assumptions were made based on the conditions under which the flow occurs. Using the usual Boussinesq approximation guided by these assumptions, the equations governing heat and mass flow were derived. The energy and momentum equations were both reduced to non-dimensional form and then to ordinary differential equations. These were subsequently resolved analytically, with numerical results computed using MATLAB software. The results were visually presented in graphs to illustrate the rate at which fluids passed through selected soil samples. Therefore, the model confirms the slower rate of fluid flow through clay soil compared to other soil samples considered.