Mechanics and Transport by Flow in Porous Media

In this course, students acquire a fundamental basis for one- and two-phase flow in porous media. This course is an essential basis for all tracks within the MSc Applied Earth Sciences as well as the MSc track in Geotechnical Engineering in the MSc Civil Engineering. This course is highly recommended for students interested in Hydraulic Engineering as well as Hydro-geology and Water Management.

The course will address the following topics:

• basic principles for groundwater flow under saturated conditions (1D, 2D and 3D, both stationary as well as non-stationary flow);

• (potential) energy and its relationship with pressure and head;

• capillary pressure and unsaturated flow (2-phase flow in a porous medium filled with water and air);

• concepts of water and air content, saturation, hydraulic conductivity, relative permeability, and residual saturation;

• water retention curves (van Genuchten, Brooks-Corey, and Gardner equations);

• the impact of flow on soil mechanics, highlighting the connection with the parallel course of soil mechanics.