A semi-theoretical model for water condensation: Dew used in conservation of earthen heritage sites

Abstract

Dew is a common but important phenomenon. Though water is previously considered to be a threat to earthen heritage sites, artificial dew is showing potential in relic preservation. A model of dew prediction on earthen sites will be essential for developing preventive protection methods, but studies of dew formation processes on relics are limited. In this study, a two parameter model is proposed. It makes approximations according to the features of earthen heritage sites, assuming that a thin and steady air layer exists close to the air–solid interface. This semi-theoretical model was based on calculations of the mass transfer process in the air layer, and was validated by simulations of laboratory experiments (R > 0.9) as well as field experiments. Additionally, a numerical simulation, performed by the commercial software COMSOL, confirmed that the difference between fitting parameter δ and the thickness of assumed mass transfer field was not significant. This model will be helpful in developing automatic environmental control systems for stabilizing water and soluble salts, thus enhancing preventive protection of earthen heritage sites.