The Understanding of Intertwined Physics: Discovering Capillary Pressure and Permeability Co-Determination

Abstract

<p>Although capillary and permeability are the two most important physical properties controlling fluid distribution and flow in nature, the interconnectivity function between them was a pressing challenge. Because knowing permeability leads to determining capillary pressure. Geodynamics (e.g., subsurface water, CO2 sequestration) and organs (e.g., plants, blood vessels) depend on capillary pressure and permeability. The first determines how far the fluid can reach, while the second determines how fast the fluid can flow in porous media. They are also vital to designing synthetic materials and micro-objects like membranes and micro-robotics. Here, we reveal the capillary and permeability intertwined behavior function. And demonstrate the unique physical connectors: pore throat size and network, linking capillary pressure and permeability. Our discovery quantifies the inverse relationship between capillary pressure and permeability for the first time, which we analytically derived and experimentally proved.</p>