TY - Generic T1 - Lattice Boltzmann modeling of liquid clusters in granular media T2 - 3rd International Symposium on Geomechanics from Micro to Macro Y1 - 2014 A1 - Jean-Yves Delenne A1 - Vincent Richefeu A1 - Farhang Radjaï ED - Kenichi Soga ED - Krishna Kumar ED - Giovanna Biscontin ED - Kuo, Matthew AB -

We use capillary condensation simulated by a multiphase Lattice Boltzmann model as a means to generate homogeneous distributions of liquid clusters in 2D granular media. Liquid droplets condense from the vapor phase between and on the grains, and they transform into capillary bonds and liquid clusters as thermodynamic equilibrium is approached. As the amount of condensed liquid is increased, liquid clusters of increasing connectivity are formed and the distribution of liquid undergoes topological transitions until the whole pore space is filled by the liquid. We investigate the cluster statistics and local grain environments. From extensive simulations, we also obtain the mean Laplace pressure as a function of the amount of liquid, which is found to be quite similar to the well-known experimental retention curve in soil mechanics.

JF - 3rd International Symposium on Geomechanics from Micro to Macro PB - CRC Press CY - SEP 01-03-2014 Univ Cambridge, Cambridge, ENGLAND VL - Geomechanics from Micro to Macro SN - 978-1-138-02707-7 ER -