Role of pore structure on liquid flow behaviors in porous media characterized by fractal geometry

Abstract A theoretical model of liquid flow through porous media is developed and numerically analyzed to investigate the role of pore structure on liquid flow behaviors in porous media. In this model, the Siepinski fractal is utilized to construct the geometry structure of porous media. The velocity distribution in fractal porous media is evaluated and analyzed, and the effects of porosity and pore structure on permeability are examined. The results indicate that the pore structure plays a significant role on determining the flow and transport properties in porous media. The liquid through the interconnected network of channels is unevenly distributed, the streamline is no longer straight inside inter-connected channels, and the swirl patterns occur in the rear of solid matrix. Induced by complex pore structure coupled with liquid–solid interaction, the permeability of porous media may deviate from the monotonous decrease trend with increasing specific surface for a given porosity. In addition, the pore distribution and connectivity also affect the permeability of porous media flow even though at the same porosity and fractal dimension. Interestingly, the presence of large long straight gap may be the dominating factor to enhance permeability for porous media flow.

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