2020/04/02 by Edward W. G. Skevington, Skevington, Edward W. G.
Engineering · Materials Science · #FOS: Physical sciences #Fluid Dynamics (physics.flu-dyn) #Fluid Dynamics and Thin Films #Lattice Boltzmann Simulation Studies #Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2004.02606
openalex publication_date 2020/04/02 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The dynamics of the wetting front are considered during the imbibition of a fluid into a porous substrate through a circular drawing area. A mathematical model of this process, assuming incompressible Darcy flow, is presented, before the full finite element scheme for solving this set of equations is given allowing the reader to reproduce all presented results. Asymptotic analysis is performed revealing contradictions between the assumptions of Darcy's equation and the solutions it produces, along with qualitative results for the behaviour of the wetting front and macroscopic contact angles. Velocity and pressure distributions across the wetted region are presented, as well as plots of the evolution of the wetting front and parameters with discussion.