This study analyses the macroscopic flow through a two dimensional porous medium model by numerical and experimental methods. The objective of this research is to develop an empirical model by which the pressure drop can be obtained. In order to construct the model, a series of blocks are used as an idealized pressure drop device, so that the pressure drop can be calculated. The range of porosities studied is between 28 and 75 per cent. It is found that the pressure drop is a combination of viscosity and inertial effects, the later being more important as the Reynolds number is increased. The empirical equation obtained in this investigation is compared with the Ergun equation.

Volume Subject Area:
Fluids Engineering
Topics:
Flow (Dynamics), Porous materials, Pressure drop, Experimental methods, Reynolds number, Viscosity
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