Diffusion of metal ions in frozen capillary barriers

This study examines the process of diffusion in frozen soils and seeks to predict the variation of the diffusion parameter with temperature. Experimental as well as numerical studies were carried out. The multi-flux and uni-flux concepts were used to calculate the diffusion parameters. A dimensionless transform function is determined to modify the uni-flux concept to account for the effect of temperature, unfrozen moisture content and concentration on the diffusion parameter. The results indicate that metal ion transport in the unfrozen boundary layer in frozen soil is faster than that of free solution due to multi-flux effect.