Finite element-based characterization of pore-scale geometry and its impact on fluid flow

Abstract

We present a finite element (FEM) simulation method for pore geometry fluid flow. Within the pore space, we solve the single-phase Reynold's lubrication equation-a simplified form of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation yielding the velocity field in a two-step solution approach. (1) Laplace's equation is solved with homogeneous boundary conditions and a right-hand source term, (2) pore pressure is computed, and the velocity field obtained for no slip conditions at the grain boundaries. From the computed velocity field, we estimate the effective permeability of porous media samples characterized by section micrographs or micro-CT scans. This two-step process is much simpler than solving..