Abstract

This paper characterizes nanoscale soil-water retention mechanism of unsaturated clay through molecular dynamics simulation. Series of molecular dynamics simulations of clay at low degrees of saturation were conducted. Soil water was represented by a point cloud through the centre-of-massmethod. Water-air interface area was measured numerically by the alpha shape method. Spatial variation of water number density is characterized and used to determine the adsorbed water layer. The soil-water retention mechanism at the nanoscale was analysed by distinguishing adsorptive pressure and capillary pressure at different mass water contents and considering apparent interface area (water-air interface area per unit water volume).

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call