Turbulent Flow in the Micro Structures of Porous Media

Some fundamental issues with respect to turbulent flows through a porous matrix are addressed by analyzing DNS results (DNS: direct numerical simulation, i.e. no turbulence modeling). In a porous matrix with pore sizes of micro or even nano dimensions turbulent flow may occur when the (local) Reynolds number is sufficiently large. An open question, however, is whether turbulence structures are restricted in size by the pore size dimensions or not. This is an important aspect that immediately affects the way turbulence has to be modelled. In order to find out which influence the solid matrix has on the turbulence a generic matrix built from a large number of bars with square cross sections is investigated. Two different DNS approaches are used, a finite volume one and a Lattice-Boltzmann approach. From both DNS calculations detailed flow field information about the influence of the solid matrix on the turbulence structure are obtained. Finally the extension of Darcy’s friction law by the Forchheimer term is investigated with respect to the question whether this extended law may be used in the fully turbulent flow regime.