Lattice Boltzmann method/computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method applications for transport and packing of non-spherical particles during geo-energy explorations: A review

Abstract

Understanding the behavior of dispersed particles in subsurface porous media is essential for studying many transport phenomena in geo-energy exploration. Relevant phenomena include fluid transport through rock matrices, undesirable production of formation sands, colloid migration, circulation of drilling cuttings, and displacement of proppants in hydraulic fractures. The discrete element method (DEM), when coupled with the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), represents a useful numerical approach to studying these microscopic processes. This integrated approach allows for detailed modeling of particle–fluid and particle–particle interactions, which is particularly useful in dealing with particles with non-spherical shapes. This review focuses on recent advancements in DEM implementations for such particles and their coupling schemes with LBM and CFD numerical tools. It aims to assist scholars and practitioners in selecting the most effective LBM/CFD-DEM strategy for studying particle transport and packing in geo-energy scenarios. Although tailored for geophysical flows, the methodologies and analytical frameworks presented here also apply to fundamental investigations of particle-laden flows.