Generalization of the Poiseuille law for one- and two-phase flow in a random capillary network

Study of single-phase fluid flow in a three-dimensional (3D) random capillary network on a regular cubic lattice has established a simple generalization of the Poiseuille law for the total flow. Results are discussed in the light of effective-medium theory and percolation theory. Detailed examination of the behavior of such networks near percolation threshold leads to an extended model which is appropriate for phase conductivities in two-phase flow. The simple expression for conductivity when combined with pore phase occupancy distributions from a rule-based percolation approach can be used to calculate relative permeabilities in 3D networks. © 1993 The American Physical Society.