Non-Newtonian flow in microporous structures under the electroviscous effect

Single phase non-Newtonian microporous flow combined with the electroviscous effect is investigated in the pore-scale under conditions of various rheological properties and electrokinetic parameters. The lattice Boltzmann method is employed to solve both the electric potential field and flow velocity field. The simulation of commonly used power-law non-Newtonian flow shows that the electroviscous effect on the flow depends on both the fluid rheological behavior and pore surface area ratio significantly. For the shear thinning fluid with power-law exponent n < 1, the fluid viscosity near the wall is smaller and the electrovicous effect plays a more important role compared to the Newtonian fluid and shear thickening fluid. The high pore surface area ratio in the porous structure increases the electroviscous force and the induced flow resistance becomes important even to the flow of Newtonian and shear thickening fluids.

► Non-Newtonian microporous flow combined with electroviscous effect is investigated in pore-scale with lattice Boltzmann method. ► The electroviscous effect on porous flow depends on both fluid rheological property and pore surface area. ► The electrovicous effect in shear thinning fluid is more important compared to Newtonian and shear thickening fluid. ► The high pore surface area in porous structure increases electroviscous force.