Two Phase Flow in Model Porous Networks for Energy Applications

Shelley Anna, Mechanical Engineering

Carbon sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, and aquifer remediation are all applications in which a fluid is forced to flow through a porous medium such as coal, sandstone, or other geographical formations. Depending on the relationship between the viscosities of the two liquids, the invading liquid can displace the defending liquid either in a compact flow or in an unstable, ‘fingered’ pattern. In most applications, it is desired to keep the flow as compact as possible. Despite several decades of study on this topic, there are still unanswered questions about the nature of the microscale flow in such porous materials. Among these, the influence of the pore/network geometry and heterogeneous wettability on the transition from compact flow to fingering has not been quantified. This undergraduate research project seeks to help answer some of these questions by using microfluidic technology.

Soft lithography fabrication methods will be used to fabricate model pore networks in which the pore geometries and their interconnections can be precisely controlled. Two phase flow using a wide range of fluids to vary the viscosity ratio will then be imaged using a high speed camera. The shape and position of the moving front between the liquids will be tracked using image processing methods. The goal of the project will be to generate a robust set of experimental data for these flows that can be compared with existing numerical computations.

The Anna Group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering is looking for motivated, independent, and hard-working undergraduates to work on several exciting projects in the area of microfluidics. Projects are primarily experimental in nature, although prior experience with laboratory work is not required. However, it is expected that students will have taken at least one prior course in fluid mechanics and received a "B" or better in the course. Interested students should contact Professor Shelley Anna and include a copy of your resume in your request.