articlePhysics of FluidsFeb 1, 2026Closed access

Pore-scale study of drainage behavior in gradient porous media

YZYan ZhouYZYuan ZhangAZAskar ZhussupbekovCZChao ZhangWGWei Guan

Harbin Institute of Technology · L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University · +1 more institution

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Abstract

Gradient porous media, characterized by continuously varying pore sizes along the flow direction, fundamentally reorganize the interplay between viscous and capillary forces. Yet, how such geometric gradients modulate pore-scale drainage dynamics and displacement efficiency remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we employ the lattice Boltzmann method to investigate immiscible drainage in a three-dimensional granular packing exhibiting a clear pore-size gradient. By imposing two opposite injection directions within the same structure—corresponding to gradually increasing or decreasing pore sizes—we systematically examine how geometric gradients influence fingering behavior, interface morphology,…

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6
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FWCI
95.30
Percentile
100%
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54
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5

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Viscous fingering
  • Capillary action
  • Porous medium
  • Lattice Boltzmann methods
  • Displacement (psychology)
  • Pressure gradient
  • Capillary pressure
  • Viscosity
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