Lattice Boltzmann method for evaluating hydraulic conductivity of finite array of spheres

ScientificWorldJournal. 2012:2012:527618. doi: 10.1100/2012/527618. Epub 2012 May 1.

Abstract

The hydraulic conductivity (K) represents an important hydrophysical parameter in a porous media. K direct measurements, usually demand a lot of work, are expensive and time consuming. Factors such as the media spatial variability, sample size, measurement method, and changes in the sample throughout the experiment directly affect K evaluations. One alternative to K measurement is computer simulation using the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), which can help to minimize problems such as changes in the sample structure during experimental measurements. This work presents K experimental and theoretical results (simulated) for three regular finite arrangements of spheres. Experimental measurements were carried out aiming at corroborating the LBM potential to predict K once the smallest relative deviation between experimental and simulated results was 1.4%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't