The Modeling of Viscous Dissipation in a Saturated Porous Medium

Abstract

A critical review is made of recent studies of the modeling of viscous dissipation in a saturated porous medium, with applications to either forced convection or natural convection. Alternative forms of the viscous dissipation function are discussed. Limitations to the concept of fully developed convection are noted. Special attention is focused on the roles of viscous dissipation and work done by pressure forces (flow work) in natural convection in a two-dimensional box with either lateral or bottom heating.