Pore-Scale Transport Physics: Insights into Fluid Flow and Interfacial Dynamics

Abstract

Capillary-driven transport in porous media is a crucial phenomenon that underpins various natural processes and technology applications, such as paper-based microfluidics, lateral flow assays, and cost-effective diagnostic platforms. Further studying the effects of solute concentration, multiphase dynamics, fluid rheology, and reaction-transport coupling on capillary imbibition on fibrous porous substrates is crucial for the methodical development of efficient paper-based devices. This dissertation systematically examines capillary transport phenomena in paper-based porous media through experiments, analytical modeling, and numerical simulations, focusing on permeability, immiscible pore-scale dynamics, non-Newtonian fluid behavior, and optimization of lateral flow assays.