Modeling Fluid Flow in Angiosperms Xylem Pits

Hydraulic resistance of water flow in the xylem is mainly caused by Pits. Pits between vessels play an important role in the water transport of plant. The pit membrane worked as porous, the water flow through pit is modeled using CFD(Computational fluid dynamics) approach of low k-ε turbulence. Consiedered the deflection of homogeneous membrane affected by pressure difference, the pit hydraulic resistance calculated according to simulation results is consisent with hydraulic resistance value from direct measurements, which indicated that the model can provide reliable estimation the flow of water through pit.