Characterization of the pore space of microstructures

GeoApp: Compute Tortuosity

There is considerable diversity in the definitions of tortuosity. All of the aforementioned definitions have the common objective of establishing an additional single value, besides that of porosity, which is used to characterize the effect of the pore distribution on transport properties and to facilitate comparison between different microstructures. These definitions are based on differing assumptions regarding the calculation of tortuosity values, particularly in instances where the microstructure is not available as fully resolved. See [1].

The GeoDict software offers a distinctive capability to model and import measured microstructures with high resolution, enabling the computation of tortuosity according to various definitions. Computations are performed directly on the microstructure and subsequently compared with one another.

The GeoApp Compute Tortuosity offers a convenient method for executing the requisite GeoDict commands in a single, automated operation.  The requisite input parameters have been correctly configured to facilitate the computation of tortuosity in accordance with the specified definitions. This approach allows for straightforward calculations and comparisons of the diverse tortuosity values across different microstructures.

Compute tortuosity in three ways: geometrically, physically, or a combination of the two.
Obtain microstructure characteristics and transport properties within the pore space.

GeoDict Publications

[1] L. Holzer, P. Marmet, M. Fingerle, A. Wiegmann, M. Neumann, V. Schmidt, Tortuosity and microstructure effects in porous media: classical theories, empirical data and modern method, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-30477-4

GeoApp features

  • Selection of tortuosities and geometric properties of interest
    • Geometric tortuosities
    • Indirect physical tortuosities from diffusivity computations, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity
    • Mixed tortuosities, computed from streamline length or volume average of diffusion flux, current density, heat flux, or flow velocity
    • Get porosity, pore size distribution, and surface area
  • Choose the computation direction and boundary conditions
  • Obtain a well-arranged table with all results.

Depending on the selected computations, licenses of the following modules are required:

Required modules PoroDict DiffuDict ConductoDict FlowDict AddiDict

Modules and GeoApps that are often combined with the Compute Tortuosity GeoApp:

Import & Image Processing ImportGeo-Vol  
Image Analysis MatDict  
Material Modeling GrainGeo FiberGeo
Simulation & Prediction BatteryDict  

Suitable modules depend on the specific application.