Numerical model for non-Darcy flow through coarse porous media using the moving particle simulation method

Abstract

A numerical model for non-Darcy flow, which occurs when water moves through coarse porous media under high Reynolds number, is developed. The governing equation for incompressible viscous flow through porous media is composed of a continuity equation and a momentum equation, which is the Navier-Stokes equation with an additional non-linear resistance term based on Forchheimer?s law. For the discretization scheme, moving particle simulation method is employed. In order to assess the model validity, seepage experiments in different kinds of coarse porous media are implemented, and then reproducibility of the numerical results is examined. From the results, it is found that the computational flow velocities at middle part of porous media are in good agreement with experimental ones while velocities at outflow end are overestimated.