Image-Based Pore-Scale Modeling Using the Finite Element Method

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-21-2013

Abstract

Image-based pore-scale modeling is a powerful computational tool for investigating transport in porous geologic materials. Network modeling has been the main tool for pore-scale modeling in the past, with the lattice-Boltzmann method becoming prevalent more recently. The finite element method offers significant advantages because of its ability to operate in multiscale and multiphysics frameworks. We perform image-based modeling of single phase flow in a Berea sandstone to begin understanding issues associated with domain size and mesh refinement. Results suggest a characteristic scale for permeability of approximately 1 mm for the Berea sample. Mesh coarsening is shown to affect both porosity and permeability. However, the flow patterns remain qualitatively consistent (with the same pores taking the dominant flow) between the meshes. © ISTE Ltd 2010.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Advances in Computed Tomography for Geomaterials: GeoX 2010

First Page

295

Last Page

303

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