Advancing the Understanding of Coupled Physical Processes in Porous Media for Multidisciplinary Applications

Abstract Understanding of the porous media are critical to gas exploitation. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between pore size, pore throat characterization and fluid flow using micro-CT Scan and core samples using wave propagation, electron transport, and electrolyte flow within porous structures, emphasizing their elastic, and plastic properties. Understanding these coupled processes is essential for optimizing gas extraction and productivity. The methodology combines experimental and modeling approaches to analyze the complex interactions within porous media. Advanced imaging and x-ray, elastic velocities, and triaxial testing, were used to characterize pore structural connectivity, heterogeneity and anisotropy. Modeling efforts incorporated fluid flow models, and transport equations to simulate coupled processes and predict porous system behavior. Finite Element Modeling (FEM) and multi-physics simulations were employed to account for the interdependence of geomechanical, and transport mechanisms. These methods enable a detailed understanding of how physical properties like permeability, porosity, and conductivity evolve under various conditions. The results highlight significant advancements in understanding the interconnectivity of the fluid transport and mechanical properties in porous media. Elastic wave propagation was found to be highly sensitive to anisotropic pore structural variations, offering insights into stress and strain distribution and deformation mechanisms. Fluid transport exhibited nonlinear behavior in heterogeneous systems, influenced by pore geometry and fluid distribution. Electrochemical processes, such as ion migration and charge transport, were shown to interact dynamically with mechanical stress, leading to complex feedback mechanisms. These findings improve the predictability of porous media behavior in different gas fields, such as subsurface fluid flow during gas extraction or storage operations. In conclusion, this research provides a comprehensive framework for studying coupled physical processes in porous media, bridging gaps in knowledge across multiple scientific domains. The integration of experimental and computational methodologies offers a robust platform for addressing challenges such as heterogeneity, anisotropy, and coupled fluid transport mechanisms. The innovation lies in the unified approach to modeling and characterizing multi-physical interactions, which has far-reaching implications for improving the efficiency and sustainability of technologies in energy, construction, and environmental sectors. The outcomes of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of fundamental processes governing porous media behavior and provide actionable insights for optimizing industrial applications.