Computational rock physics: Lattice-Boltzmann fluid flow simulation in porous media and its applications

This paper presents Lattice-Boltzmann simulation techniques for single-phase and two-phase fluid flow in porous media. Numerical experiments were performed in a digital rock sample from X-ray microtomography. Computed results showed very good agreement with laboratory measurements of permeability and relative permeability. Two applications using these simulation techniques show the potential of the Lattice-Boltzmann flow simulation to solve many difficult problems coupled with fluid flow in porous media.