Pore classification method with steady-state diffusion in complex porous media

Abstract

In porous media, the transport and flow through the void phase are influenced by the internal pore network due to its complex morphology. In other words, the contributions of individual pores can vary due to their connectivity within the network and characteristics in physical phenomena. In this study, we propose a pore classification method according to geometries and physical behaviors to understand the role of each pore in microstructure. Our method classifies entire pores into backbone, dead-end, and isolated pore using connectivity analysis and steady-state diffusion. The backbone acts as the main pathway for the transportation process. Therefore, backbone fraction can be utilized as a quantitative indicator of the pore network in microstructure. Furthermore, this approach enables us to explore the relationship between classified pores and microstructural properties through numerical experiment using virtual structures. This method can be used for various porous materials, such as battery electrodes, membranes, and soil.