Flow Path Resistance in Heterogeneous Porous Media Recast into a Graph-Theory Problem

Abstract This work aims to describe the spatial distribution of flow from characteristics underlying pore structure in heterogeneous porous media. Thousands two-dimensional samples polydispersed granular media are used (1) obtain velocity field via direct numerical simulations, and (2) conceptualize network as a graph each sample. Analysis allows us distinguish preferential stagnant regions quantify how channelized is. Then, graph’s edges weighted by geometric attributes their corresponding pores find path minimum resistance Overlap between paths predicted determines accuracy individual samples. An evolutionary algorithm is employed determine “fittest” weighting scheme (here, channel’s arc length throat ratio) that maximizes across entire dataset while minimizing over-parameterization. Finally, structural similarity neighboring analyzed explain arrangement within network. We connected subnetwork highly similar, those dissimilar. The contrast these increases with channelization, explaining constraints local flow. proposed framework may be for fast characterization heterogeneity relative computationally expensive simulations. Article Highlights A quantitative assessment channeling distinguishes pore-scale fields into regions. Geometry topology predict data alone. Local disorder networks provides separation v informs on contrast.