Numerical modeling of microfluid dynamics in xylem vessels of Khaya grandifoliola

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) can be used to quantify the internal flow variables of xylem conducting vessels. This study aims to analyze through numerical simulations the xylem water ascent of African mahogany (Khaya grandifoliola) cultivated under different irrigation regimes. We determined a geometric model, defined through the variability of the anatomical structures of the species, observing characteristics of the xylem vessels such as diameter, length, number of pits, and average surface area of the pits. Then we applied numerical simulation through an Eulerian mathematical model with the discretization of volumes via CFD. Compared to other models, we observed that numerical simulation using CFD represented the xylem microstructures in a greater level of detail, contributing to the understanding of the flow of xylem vessels and the interference of its various structures. Analyzing the micrographs, we observed the non-irrigated vessels had a higher number of pits in the secondary wall thickening when compared to the irrigated treatments. This trend influenced the variability of the radial flow of the xylem vessels, causing greater fluid movement in this region and decreasing the influence of the smooth part of the wall, resulting in a lower total resistance of these vessels.