Linking mixing interface deformation to concentration gradients in porous media

Abstract

Pore-scale concentration fluctuations play a crucial role in mixing-limited reactions in porous media. We mathematically establish a direct link between mixing interface deformation and pore-scale concentration gradients. Contrary to the classical assumption that these fluctuations eventually get washed out, we show that for Peclet numbers above a critical threshold, advection sustains them indefinitely. Our analytical model quantifies the elongation of the mixing interface and accurately predicts reaction product formation in three-dimensional porous media, offering new insights into transport and reaction kinetics at the pore scale.

Topics & Concepts