On the validity of the Carman-Kozeny equation in random fibrous media

Abstract

The transverse permeability for creeping flow through unidirectional random arrays of fibers/cylinders has been studied numerically using the finite element method (FEM). A modified Carman-Kozeny (CK) relation is presented which takes into account the tortuosity (flow path) and the lubrication effect of the narrow channels. The proposed relation is valid in a wide range of porosities compared to the classical CK equation. The proposed general relationship for the permeability can be utilized for composite manufacturing and also for validation of advanced coarse models for particle-fluid interactions