Multiscale Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Model Development for Simulating Preferential Flow Dynamics in Fractured Porous Media

We present our new multiscale pairwise-force smoothed particle hydrodynamics (PF-SPH) model for the characterization of flow in fractured porous media. The fully coupled PF-SPH is able to simulate dynamics a and permeable matrix adjacent fractures. Porous medium governed by volume-effective Richards equation, while fractures Navier-Stokes equation. Flow from fracture modeled an efficient removal algorithm virtual water redistribution formulation enforce mass momentum conservation. validated (1) comparison finite-element (FEM) COMSOL Richards-based partially saturated (2) laboratory experiments cover more complex cases free-surface imbibition into matrix. For experiments, Seeberger sandstone used because its well-known homogeneous pore space properties. hydraulic conductivity estimated size grain distribution analysis. developed shows good correlation with all types experiments. employ proposed study preferential different infiltration rates. Here, associated term “preferential flow,” providing rapid transmission, within enables only slow diffuse transmission. Depending on rate inlet location, two can be distinguished: immediate preferential/fracture or delayed flow. In latter case, accumulates at surface first (ponding), then rapidly transmits bottom system outlet. response, ponding occurs once water. cases, much than even under conditions. Furthermore, rough impermeable rates are studied as well. simulation results show significant lag arrival times small when employed, rather one. higher rates, flows through outlet without any delay presence analysis amount stored walls void that most injected retarded velocity large such very little influence processes.