A sharp-interface interpretation of a continuous density model for homogenization of gravity-driven flow in porous media

2010 ◽  
Vol 239 (19) ◽  
pp. 1855-1866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Anderson ◽  
Richard M. McLaughlin ◽  
Cass T. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Porous Media ◽  
Sharp Interface ◽  
Density Model ◽  
Flow In Porous Media ◽  
Continuous Density ◽  
Gravity Driven ◽  
Gravity Driven Flow

Phase-Field Models of Gravity-Driven Unsaturated Flow in Porous Media

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Cueto-Felgueroso ◽  
Ruben Juanes
Keyword(s):  
Porous Media ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Unsaturated Flow ◽  
Flow In Porous Media ◽  
Macroscopic Model ◽  
Wetting Front ◽  
Forming Mechanism ◽  
Gravity Driven ◽  
Pattern Forming ◽  
Models Of Gravity

Existing continuum models of multiphase flow in porous media are unable to explain why preferential flow (fingering) occurs during infiltration into homogeneous, dry soil. We identify a relevant pattern-forming mechanism in the dynamics of the wetting front, and present a macroscopic model that reproduces the experimentally observed features of fingered flows. The proposed model reveals a scaling between local and nonlocal interface phenomena in imbibition, and does not introduce new independent parameters. The predictions based on this model are consistent with experiments and theories of scaling in porous media.

The competition between gravity and flow focusing in two-layered porous media

2013 ◽  
Vol 720 ◽  
pp. 5-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herbert E. Huppert ◽  
Jerome A. Neufeld ◽  
Charlotte Strandkvist
Keyword(s):  
Porous Media ◽  
Lower Layer ◽  
Flow Focusing ◽  
High Permeability ◽  
Critical Flux ◽  
Two Fluids ◽  
Input Flux ◽  
Layered Porous Media ◽  
Gravity Driven ◽  
Gravity Driven Flow

AbstractThe gravitationally driven flow of a dense fluid within a two-layered porous media is examined experimentally and theoretically. We find that in systems with two horizontal layers of differing permeability a competition between gravity driven flow and flow focusing along high-permeability routes can lead to two distinct flow regimes. When the lower layer is more permeable than the upper layer, gravity acts along high-permeability pathways and the flow is enhanced in the lower layer. Alternatively, when the upper layer is more permeable than the lower layer, we find that for a sufficiently small input flux the flow is confined to the lower layer. However, above a critical flux fluid preferentially spreads horizontally within the upper layer before ultimately draining back down into the lower layer. This later regime, in which the fluid overrides the low-permeability lower layer, is important because it enhances the mixing of the two fluids. We show that the critical flux which separates these two regimes can be characterized by a simple power law. Finally, we briefly discuss the relevance of this work to the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide and other industrial and natural flows in porous media.

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