Numerical study of the hydraulic tortuosity for fluid flow through elliptical particle packings

In this work, the hydraulic tortuosity (Th) specific for the binary-sized elliptical particle packings is studied using the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and discrete element method (DEM). The model is validated by comparing with experimental and simulation data with an average deviation of 6% (Max 10%). Then the model is used to develop a reliable Th correlation to describe the fluid streamlines in elliptical particle packings. Firstly, a generalized Th correlation format is proposed, containing porosity (ε) and two empirical coefficients (a, b). Then the effects of ε and size ratio (r) on the Th are studied, and by curve-fitting the simulation results, the empirical coefficients (a, b) are formulated as a function of r. Meanwhile, the generalized Th correlation format is applicable for predicting the Th in porous media with different microstructures. The Th correlations provide a theoretical basis for macroscopic modelling of fluid flow through porous media of elliptical particles.