Computational modeling of through-thickness flow and pressure drop characteristics in woven matrix porous media. (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhi, Z.; Chen, H.; Longtin, J. P.; Alkhader, M.; Venkatesh, T. A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of modelling & simulation. Volume 40:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 163
• Page End: 183
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: Porous media -- pressure drop -- friction factor -- woven matrix -- finite element modeling; Mathematical models -- Periodicals; Simulation methods -- Periodicals; Mathematical models; Simulation methods; Periodicals; 003.3
• DOI: 10.1080/02286203.2019.1574123
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0228-6203

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A hybrid finite element/volume model that captures the flow and pressure drop characteristics in highly porous woven matrix media is developed. It is demonstrated that the characteristics of flow through a woven matrix composed of fibers with circular cross-section can be modeled using the finite element method with an equivalent woven matrix system composed of fibers with square cross-section. From simulations of fluid flow in a range of models with varying sizes, it is demonstrated that changes in the thickness of the finite element model in the fluid flow direction and defects in the lay-up of the woven matrix layers have significant effects on the pressure drops. Higher defect densities result in greater pressure drops as they disrupt the steady flow of fluid in the through-thickness direction. The pressure drops obtained in the finite element model simulations of thick models that contained some defective layers match well with experimental observations.