| Abstract |
We propose to study one- and two-phase flow of non-Newtonian fluids through porous media, using a particle- based simulation method that can handle soft matter systems with spatial and temporal memory in any geometry. In our method, the particles represent the center of mass of polymer molecules; interactions between particles include both the thermodynamic potentials and a contribution from transient, non-equilibrium forces. This allows us to simulate large systems, but at the same time make a link to the molecular architecture and dynamics. Our aim is to generate a fundamental understanding of the interplay between Newtonian or non-Newtonian hydrodynamics, liquid interfaces and solid boundaries, and how this leads to complex phenomena in porous media, such as the motion of menisci, pinch-off of liquid threads, bypass/cutoff, entrapment, or the flow of wetting films. |
