Abstract
The effect of heterogeneity on the onset of convection induced by a vertical density gradient in a saturated porous medium is discussed. The distinction between moderate and high heterogeneity of permeability is emphasized. Topics discussed include the limitations of the use of the log–normal distribution for permeability, the different effects of vertical and horizontal heterogeneity, and the use of an electrical resistor analogy applied to an illustrative quartered-square example. In a postscript, a new approximate criterion for instability applicable to the case of strong heterogeneity is proposed.
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Nield, D.A., Simmons, C.T. A discussion on the effect of heterogeneity on the onset of convection in a porous medium. Transp Porous Med 68, 413–421 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11242-006-9045-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11242-006-9045-8