Pore-scale modeling of saturated permeabilities in random sphere packings

A Lattice-Boltzman (LB) and a pore-network model were used to simulate flow through sphere packings. Using both models, a statistically supported representative elementary volume (REV) for packings was established and the transition region between Darcian and non-Darcian flow examined. LB simulations were compared to existing empirical relations for permeability for a broad range of packings. Finally, a correlation function was formulated for the permeability in sphere packing with log-normal sphere-size distribution.