Characterization of stable and unstable flow regimes via dynamic pore-scale network simulation

Dynamic network models for two-phase flow in porous media describe the physics of fluid motion and propagation of interfaces. The resolution is at the scale of single pores. A network structure representation in the model allows for simulation of macroscopic flow phenomena under variable influence of gravitational, viscous and capillary forces. Macroscopic averages such as specific interfacial areas and macroscopic interfacial velocities are investigated and effective interfacial tensions according to Chuoke et al. [1] may be computed from the simulations. Quantification of such variables affords us the exploration of a system characteristic length scale for displacement stability. An example of viscous instability is presented.