Sequence for the Generation of Computational Models of Flow in Porous Media for Direct Numerical Simulation

Abstract

This study presents a sequence of tools for Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) of saturated
flow in real geometries of porous media, using a pervious concrete sample as the model. DNS enables
the calculation of the complete flow within the material's irregular channels, requiring the generation of
an appropriate mesh and the definition of consistent boundary conditions to solve the Navier-Stokes
equations. The methodology begins with processing tomography data in STL format to create a threedimensional
mesh of the domain and define the boundaries for setting boundary conditions.
Subsequently, the finite volume method is applied to obtain the flow field within the pore network.
Results are compared with reference cases to validate the methodology. This analysis aims to accurately
characterize the hydraulic properties of pervious concrete under saturated conditions, providing key
insights for the design and optimization of urban infrastructure components.