Mold Growth Prediction by Computational Simulation

Until now, the common methods used to assess the risk of mold growth have been based on steady boundary conditions. A newly developed model, describing the hygrothermal behavior of the spore, allows consideration of the changing surface temperatures and RH for the prediction of mold growth for the first time. Research is still needed to determine the required hygrothermal material properties of the spore, such as the moisture retention curve and vapor resistance of the spore wall. Nevertheless, the capability of the biohygrothermal model to assess the risk of mold growth can be demonstrated impressively with the chosen example. A new basis has been built to describe nonsteady biological processes in mold spores, up to the start of the metabolism at least.