The permeability of fibrous porous media

Abstract

Abstract The literature was searched for experiments and theories related to low‐Reynolds‐number flow through fibrous porous media, particularly highly porous structures. Experimental data were found for a wide range of materials, from polymer chains to fiberglass, and the results collapse reasonably well when the appropriate dimensionless co‐ordinates are employed. Of the theories, accurate solutions of Stokes equation are available for regular arrays of parallel rods, either aligned with or normal to the flow. For irregular arrays and three‐dimensional media, approximate permeabilities can be calculated from several flow models.