Lattice Boltzmann Method for Evaluating Hydraulic Conductivity of Finite Array of Spheres

Abstract

The hydraulic conductivity (K) represents an important hydrophysical parameter in a porous media.Kdirect 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 affectKevaluations. One alternative toKmeasurement 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 presentsKexperimental and theoretical results (simulated) for three regular finite arrangements of spheres. Experimental measurements were carried out aiming at corroborating the LBM potential to predictKonce the smallest relative deviation between experimental and simulated results was 1.4%.