Modeling the Flow of Yield-Stress Fluids in Porous Media

TL;DR

This paper explores the complex flow behavior of yield-stress fluids in porous media using pore-scale modeling and evaluates the effectiveness of Minimum Threshold Path algorithms, concluding that current models are insufficient for accurate prediction.

Contribution

The study develops and assesses a new yield-stress flow simulation model and evaluates the validity of MTP algorithms within pore-scale network modeling.

Findings

Modeling yield-stress flow in porous media is highly challenging.

MTP algorithms have limited accuracy in predicting yield points.

Fundamental modeling strategies are needed for better predictions.

Abstract

Yield-stress is a problematic and controversial non-Newtonian flow phenomenon. In this article, we investigate the flow of yield-stress substances through porous media within the framework of pore-scale network modeling. We also investigate the validity of the Minimum Threshold Path (MTP) algorithms to predict the pressure yield point of a network depicting random or regular porous media. Percolation theory as a basis for predicting the yield point of a network is briefly presented and assessed. In the course of this study, a yield-stress flow simulation model alongside several numerical algorithms related to yield-stress in porous media were developed, implemented and assessed. The general conclusion is that modeling the flow of yield-stress fluids in porous media is too difficult and problematic. More fundamental modeling strategies are required to tackle this problem in the future.