A Diffusion Model with a Concentration‐Dependent Diffusion Coefficient for Describing Water Movement in Legumes During Soaking

Abstract

ABSTRACT A mathematical model based on Fick's diffusion equation with a concentration‐dependent diffusion coefficient was proposed to describe the absorption of water by legumes. The equation was solved by using a numerical scheme. Parameter study was performed. The model is capable of predicting sigmoidal‐shaped water uptake curves common to many legumes. Differences are discussed between the surface resistance boundary condition used in this study and the radiation boundary condition widely used for dehydration calculations. The validity of using the proposed model to described the water uptake of legumes was verified by the good fit between the experimental and theoretical curves.