Lattice Boltzmann method for evaluating hydraulic conductivity of finite array of spheres.
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%.
Laboratory of Soil Physics and Environmental Sciences, Department of Physics, State University of Ponta Grossa, UEPG, 84.030-900 Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil.
Mário A
MA
Camargo
Paulo C
PC
Facin
Luiz F
LF
Pires