Lucas–Washburn Equation-Based Modeling of Capillary-Driven Flow in Porous Systems

Lucas–Washburn Equation-Based Modeling of Capillary-Driven Flow in Porous Systems

Jianchao Cai, Tingxu Jin, Jisheng Kou, Shuangmei Zou, Junfeng Xiao, Qingbang Meng

In this Invited Feature Article, the theoretical basis of the classical Lucas–Washburn (LW) equation is first introduced and recent progress in mathematical models is then summarized to demonstrate the modifications and extensions of this equation to various microchannels and porous media. These include capillary tubes with nonuniform and noncircular cross-sections, discrete fractures, and capillary tubes that are not straight as well as heterogeneous porous media. Numerical studies on the LW equation are also reviewed, and comments on future works and research directions for LW-based capillary-driven flows in porous systems are listed.

Langmuir (2021), 37(5): 1623–1636
Corresponding Authors: Jianchao Cai