Title: 3D Flow through Porous Media

Author (Poster): Keely Criddle, Emory University

Abstract:

Through both macroscopic and microscopic experiments, we will study the influence of particle size distribution on the permeability of porous media flow in systems of random-close-packed spheres. Previous work has determined that the permeability of packed spheres is primarily dependent upon the average sphere radius and the fraction of the volume occupied by pores, referred to as porosity. However, it is possible for systems to have identical average radii and porosities, yet have vastly different packings. We expect that different packing configurations will possess different permeabilities and flow properties and will explore this hypothesis through studying continuous flow through systems with differing particle size distributions.