Pore Network Modeling is a computational approach used to simulate and analyze fluid flow and transport properties in porous media by representing the pore space as a network of interconnected pores and throats. It provides insights into the microscopic structure and behavior of complex porous systems, facilitating the prediction of macroscopic properties like permeability and capillary pressure.

Pore Network Modeling

computational approach

Fluid flow is the movement of liquid or gas particles in response to forces such as pressure differences, gravity, and external fields, characterized by velocity, pressure, and density variations. Understanding fluid flow is crucial in numerous applications, from engineering systems like pipelines and aircraft to natural phenomena like ocean currents and atmospheric circulation.

fluid flow

Transport properties describe how particles, energy, or momentum move through a medium, reflecting the medium's response to external forces or gradients. They are crucial in fields like physics, chemistry, and engineering, influencing the design and analysis of materials and systems across various applications.

transport properties

Porous media are materials containing pores (voids) that allow fluids to pass through, making them crucial in fields such as hydrology, petroleum engineering, and material science. Understanding the properties and behavior of porous media is essential for applications like groundwater flow, oil recovery, and filtration processes.

porous media

Pore space refers to the voids or gaps between solid particles in a material, such as soil, rock, or sediment, which can be filled with fluids like air or water. This space is crucial for determining the material's porosity and permeability, impacting fluid flow, storage capacity, and mechanical properties.

pore space

interconnected pores

throats

Microscopic structure refers to the arrangement and interactions of atoms or molecules within a material that are not visible to the naked eye but can be observed using microscopes. Understanding microscopic structure is crucial for predicting material properties and behaviors, influencing fields from materials science to biology.

microscopic structure

complex porous systems

Macroscopic properties are the large-scale characteristics of a system that arise from the collective behavior of its microscopic components. These properties, such as temperature, pressure, and volume, are typically measurable and provide insight into the system's overall state and behavior without requiring detailed knowledge of its individual particles.

macroscopic properties

Permeability is a measure of how easily a fluid can flow through a porous material, and it is a critical property in fields like geology, civil engineering, and materials science. It is influenced by factors such as the size and connectivity of the pores, the viscosity of the fluid, and the pressure gradient driving the flow.

permeability

Capillary pressure is the pressure difference across the interface of two immiscible fluids in a porous medium, driven by surface tension and the curvature of the interface. It plays a critical role in fluid distribution and flow in porous materials, affecting processes such as oil recovery, soil moisture retention, and inkjet printing.

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