The properties of porous media and composite materials depend strongly on the geometric distribution of the constituent materials. The GeoDict Software permits to compute material properties based on three-dimensional computer-tomography (CT) images or virtually created structure models. In either case, the property is computed by solving a partial differential equation on the 3d image and postprocessing the solution. Thus, by varying the geometric parameters in the computer it is possible to design new porous media and composite materials with improved properties.
The considered materials may range from fibrous and woven to sintered and piled materials. Absolute permeability and relative permeability, effective thermal conductivity and effective electric conductivity as well as pressure drop and filter efficiency can be computed in this way.
As examples, we will consider the gas diffusion layer of a fuel cell, woven wire meshes for filtration applications, and fibrous filter media. The simulated results are in good to excellent quantitative agreement with experimental data.