Derivation of a Simplified D'Arcy's Law Equation

In summary, the document discusses the derivation of a simplified form of Darcy's Law, which describes the flow of fluid through porous media. It outlines the fundamental principles governing fluid dynamics, including the relationship between pressure gradient, fluid viscosity, and flow rate. The derivation emphasizes the assumptions made in the model, such as laminar flow and homogeneity of the porous medium, leading to a more accessible equation that can be applied in various engineering and geological contexts. The simplified equation aids in predicting fluid movement in subsurface environments, facilitating effective resource management and environmental assessments.
  • #1
SpaceDuck127
1
0
Homework Statement
Done for a research essay on physics models for water filtration, and what I am focusing on is the change in speed after water passes through a porous material
Relevant Equations
q = -k*∆p/(µ*L) Darcy’s Law (flux rate)
∆p = f(L/D)(𝜌V^2/2) Darcy-Weisbach equation
Re = ρVD/µ Reynolds Number equation
f = 64/Re Friction factor equation
By substituting the darcy-weisbach equation into darcy’s law we get
q = -kf/µL * (L/D) * (𝜌V^2/2)
This can be further simplified by substituting the equation for friction factor for laminar flow, f = 64/Re , with the equation for reynolds number, Re = ρVD/µ substituted in such that:
q = (-k/µL)(64µ/ρVD)*(L/D)(𝜌V^2/2)
Which can be simplified from crossing out variables into:
q =-32kV/D^2

Based on physics and research i've done on filtration mechanics this makes kinda perfect sense, but I haven't found any evidence of this substitution online.
 
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  • #2
SpaceDuck127 said:
Relevant Equations: q = -k*∆p/(µ*L) Darcy’s Law (flux rate)
∆p = f(L/D)(𝜌V^2/2) Darcy-Weisbach equation
Re = ρVD/µ Reynolds Number equation
f = 64/Re Friction factor equation

By substituting the darcy-weisbach equation into darcy’s law we get
q = -kf/µL * (L/D) * (𝜌V^2/2)
This can be further simplified by substituting the equation for friction factor for laminar flow, f = 64/Re , with the equation for reynolds number, Re = ρVD/µ substituted in such that:
q = (-k/µL)(64µ/ρVD)*(L/D)(𝜌V^2/2)
Which can be simplified from crossing out variables into:
q =-32kV/D^2
Not my area but…

d’Arcy’s law is about a fluid passing through a porous material.

Reynold’s number is essentially about the transition between laminar and turbulent flow in a ‘free’ fluid.

Does it make sense to combine these when they apply to such different situations?

Beware of combining equations merely because they have some common parameters.
 
  • #3
SpaceDuck127 said:
Homework Statement: Done for a research essay on physics models for water filtration, and what I am focusing on is the change in speed after water passes through a porous material
Relevant Equations: q = -k*∆p/(µ*L) Darcy’s Law (flux rate)
∆p = f(L/D)(𝜌V^2/2) Darcy-Weisbach equation
Re = ρVD/µ Reynolds Number equation
f = 64/Re Friction factor equation

By substituting the darcy-weisbach equation into darcy’s law we get
q = -kf/µL * (L/D) * (𝜌V^2/2)
This can be further simplified by substituting the equation for friction factor for laminar flow, f = 64/Re , with the equation for reynolds number, Re = ρVD/µ substituted in such that:
q = (-k/µL)(64µ/ρVD)*(L/D)(𝜌V^2/2)
Which can be simplified from crossing out variables into:
q =-32kV/D^2

Based on physics and research i've done on filtration mechanics this makes kinda perfect sense, but I haven't found any evidence of this substitution online.
What do you mean "change in speed after the water passes through a porous material"? Do you instead mean "as it is going through the porous material"?
 
  • #4
Your analysis would work if you had an array of parallel pores running through your medium. Then, for each pore, you would have the Poiseulle equation: $$-\frac{dP}{dL}=\frac{128Q\mu}{\pi D^4 }=\frac{32\mu v}{D^2}$$where v is the pore velocity. The pore velocity is related to the superficial velocity q by $$q=\epsilon v$$where ##\epsilon## is the porosity. So, we have Darcy's law for such a medium being: $$-\frac{dP}{dL}=\frac{32q\mu}{\epsilon D^2}$$or $$q=-\frac{dP}{dL}\frac{\epsilon D^2}{32 \mu}$$So, the permeability for such a medium is $$k=\frac{\epsilon D^2 }{32}$$
 

FAQ: Derivation of a Simplified D'Arcy's Law Equation

What is D'Arcy's Law?

D'Arcy's Law is a fundamental equation that describes the flow of a fluid through a porous medium. It states that the flow rate is proportional to the pressure difference and inversely proportional to the resistance of the medium. Mathematically, it is often expressed as Q = -kA(dP/dL), where Q is the flow rate, k is the permeability of the medium, A is the cross-sectional area, and dP/dL is the pressure gradient.

Why is it important to derive a simplified form of D'Arcy's Law?

Simplifying D'Arcy's Law can make it easier to apply in practical situations, especially when dealing with complex systems. A simplified form can reduce computational complexity, provide clearer insights into the behavior of the system, and make it more accessible for educational purposes.

What assumptions are made in the simplified derivation of D'Arcy's Law?

Several assumptions are typically made in the simplified derivation of D'Arcy's Law: the fluid is incompressible and Newtonian, the flow is steady-state, the medium is homogeneous and isotropic, and the flow is laminar. These assumptions help to reduce the complexity of the equation and focus on the primary factors affecting fluid flow through porous media.

How does the simplified D'Arcy's Law differ from the original equation?

The simplified D'Arcy's Law often involves fewer parameters and assumptions, making it more straightforward to use. For example, in some cases, the equation may assume a constant permeability and neglect the effects of temperature or chemical interactions. The core relationship between flow rate, pressure gradient, and permeability remains the same, but extraneous factors are minimized.

Can the simplified D'Arcy's Law be applied to all types of porous media?

No, the simplified D'Arcy's Law cannot be universally applied to all types of porous media. It is most accurate for homogeneous, isotropic, and relatively simple porous structures. For more complex media, such as those with significant heterogeneity, anisotropy, or non-Newtonian fluid behavior, the full form of D'Arcy's Law or additional modifications may be necessary to accurately describe the flow.

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