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Global inertial permeability for non-Darcian flow in porous media with different shape configurations.

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Title: Global inertial permeability for non-Darcian flow in porous media with different shape configurations.
Authors: Gan, Fu-Shuo1 (AUTHOR), Zhou, Jia-Qing2,3 (AUTHOR), Wang, Liangqing1 (AUTHOR) wangliangqing@cug.edu.cn, Li, Changdong1 (AUTHOR), Jiang, Xin-Yu1 (AUTHOR), Zhu, Yinbin1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Hydrology. Dec2025:Part B, Vol. 662, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Porous materials, Porosity, Inviscid flow, Hydraulic conductivity, Darcy's law, Hydrodynamics, Pore fluids
Abstract: • Variation of inertial permeability with flow range in porous media is attributed to the evolution of low-velocity zones. • Global inertial permeability which can reproduce the entire flow regime has been confirmed in porous media. • Influence mechanisms of pore configurations on non-Darcian flow behavior and low-velocity zone evolution have been elucidated. • Minimum Reynolds number and hydraulic gradient criteria are proposed to determine global inertial permeability. Fluid flow in porous media is typically described by Darcy's law and its nonlinear extension, the Forchheimer equation. Inertial permeability, a key parameter in the Forchheimer law that considers inertial dissipation, remains poorly understood in terms of the hydrodynamic conditions required for its derivation. This study investigates non-Darcian flow behavior in porous media with varying pore geometries through direct numerical simulations and laboratory flow experiments on remolded soil samples. The results reveal that, despite identical viscous (Darcy) permeability, different pore configurations cause significant variations in non-Darcian flow behavior and the evolution of low-velocity zones. Inertial permeability is shown to depend on hydrodynamic conditions, closely linked to low-velocity zone development. A global inertial permeability, which captures the entire flow regime, is derived from this variation. The study systematically examines how pore geometric factors, such as porosity, particle size, and viscous permeability, influence the minimum hydrodynamic conditions (i.e., minimum hydraulic gradient and Reynolds number) for determining global inertial permeability. Integrated parametric models for the minimum hydraulic gradient and Reynolds number, based on pore geometry, are developed and offer promising potential for applicability in realistic porous media scenarios. Additionally, the study demonstrates that the minimum low-velocity zones exhibit a power-law relationship with porosity and particle size, while the pore configuration modulates the extent of this variation. Finally, a comparative analysis of porous and fractured media underscores the importance of accounting for media-specific features in flow behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:• Variation of inertial permeability with flow range in porous media is attributed to the evolution of low-velocity zones. • Global inertial permeability which can reproduce the entire flow regime has been confirmed in porous media. • Influence mechanisms of pore configurations on non-Darcian flow behavior and low-velocity zone evolution have been elucidated. • Minimum Reynolds number and hydraulic gradient criteria are proposed to determine global inertial permeability. Fluid flow in porous media is typically described by Darcy's law and its nonlinear extension, the Forchheimer equation. Inertial permeability, a key parameter in the Forchheimer law that considers inertial dissipation, remains poorly understood in terms of the hydrodynamic conditions required for its derivation. This study investigates non-Darcian flow behavior in porous media with varying pore geometries through direct numerical simulations and laboratory flow experiments on remolded soil samples. The results reveal that, despite identical viscous (Darcy) permeability, different pore configurations cause significant variations in non-Darcian flow behavior and the evolution of low-velocity zones. Inertial permeability is shown to depend on hydrodynamic conditions, closely linked to low-velocity zone development. A global inertial permeability, which captures the entire flow regime, is derived from this variation. The study systematically examines how pore geometric factors, such as porosity, particle size, and viscous permeability, influence the minimum hydrodynamic conditions (i.e., minimum hydraulic gradient and Reynolds number) for determining global inertial permeability. Integrated parametric models for the minimum hydraulic gradient and Reynolds number, based on pore geometry, are developed and offer promising potential for applicability in realistic porous media scenarios. Additionally, the study demonstrates that the minimum low-velocity zones exhibit a power-law relationship with porosity and particle size, while the pore configuration modulates the extent of this variation. Finally, a comparative analysis of porous and fractured media underscores the importance of accounting for media-specific features in flow behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00221694
DOI:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.133807