Generalized Newtonian fluid flow in porous media

Abstract

Thermodynamically constrained averaging theory was used to derive a macroscale model for the flow of generalized Newtonian fluids through porous media. The parameters needed for the model were determined from Newtonian flow systems. Predictions of flow for several shear-thinning Cross model fluids flowing in a variety of isotropic and anisotropic porous media agreed with microscale simulations within the numerical error of the simulator. Equating to the shift-factor, we found that it may be predicted a priori from geometric system and rheological properties. The proposed model obviates the need for experimental flow data for generalized Newtonian fluids in the porous medium of interest.

Topics & Concepts