Work

Generalized Newtonian fluid flow in porous media

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Thermodynamically constrained averaging theory was used to derive a macroscale model for the flow of generalized Newtonian fluids through porous media. The parameters needed for the model were determined from Newtonian flow systems. Predictions of flow for several shear-thinning Cross model fluids flowing in a variety of isotropic and anisotropic porous media agreed with microscale simulations within the numerical error of the simulator. Equating to the shift-factor, we found that it may be predicted a priori from geometric system and rheological properties. The proposed model obviates the need for experimental flow data for generalized Newtonian fluids in the porous medium of interest.

Source: Physical Review Fluids

DOI: 10.1103/physrevfluids.6.123302

Authors: Christopher A. Bowers, Cass T. Miller

Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Mathematical Modeling in Engineering

Subfield: Computational Theory and Mathematics

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Science Foundation, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Army Research Office

Awards: G1445952913, Elucidating Physicochemical Processes Affecting Transport Phenomena Resulting from Hydraulic Fracturing of Natural Gas Reservoirs, The UNC Chapel Hill Superfund Research Program (UNC-SRP)