A two dimensional semi-continuum model to explain wetting front instability in porous media.

ABSTRACT: Modelling fluid flow in an unsaturated porous medium is a complex problem with many practical applications. There is enough experimental and theoretical evidence that the standard continuum mechanics based modelling approach is unable to capture many important features of porous media flow. In this paper, a two-dimensional semi-continuum model is presented that combines ideas from continuum mechanics with invasion percolation models. The medium is divided into blocks of finite size that retain the nature of a porous medium. Each block is characterized by its porosity, permeability, and a retention curve. The saturation and pressure of the fluids are assumed to be uniform throughout each block. It is demonstrated that the resulting semi-continuum model is able to reproduce (1) gravity induc

SUBMITTER: Kmec J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7864934 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature