With the rapid advance in computing and imaging tools, 2-D and 3-D digital images of porous materials can be readily obtained by a variety of techniques. Mathematical and computational techniques have been adapted to work with these images. In this chapter, we have surveyed many of the techniques that have been applied to porous materials, and shown the results. Although this is a rapidly advancing field, the essence is that a digital image converts a continuum picture into a lattice of discrete pixels, so that all lattice computational techniques are applicable.
The rapid growth of computing power will lead to more realistic models, and more 3-D experimental data, using x-ray tomography, NMR imaging, and other methods. The improved characterization of pore geometry will result in more accurate calculation and prediction of material properties, which ultimately will aid in materials engineering, via microstructural design.