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Flow-induced compaction of a deformable porous medium
Duncan R Hewitt1,2, Japinder S Nijjer1,3, M Grae Worster1
1Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom.
Fluid flow deforms soft porous media, decreasing permeability and increasing flux to a limit. Experiments revealed differential compaction and surprising hysteresis, where decreasing pressure resulted in lower flux than increasing pressure.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Materials science
- Geophysics
Background:
- Fluid flow through porous media causes viscous drag on the solid matrix, leading to deformation.
- Understanding the interplay between fluid flow and deformable porous media is crucial in various scientific and engineering fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of fluid flow on a deformable porous medium, specifically focusing on changes in permeability and flux.
- To develop and validate a theoretical model for fluid flow in a one-dimensional deformable porous medium.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation using downward flow of water through a saturated pack of hydrogel spheres.
- Theoretical modeling of fluid flow and deformation in a one-dimensional porous medium.
- Particle tracking velocimetry to measure internal medium deformation and porosity distribution.
Main Results:
- Increased pressure head led to decreased effective permeability and flux that approached a finite upper bound.
- Differential compaction was observed, with lower porosity at the base compared to the free surface.
- Experimental results showed significant, repeatable hysteresis, with lower flux upon pressure decrease than increase, contrary to theoretical predictions.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a model that agrees well with experimental data for increasing pressure.
- Observed hysteresis indicates complex material behavior not fully captured by current theory.
- Further research is needed to understand and model the observed hysteresis in deformable porous media.
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