Simulation and Mathematical Modeling of Deposition Regimes in Disordered Packings of Beads

Improving filtration efficiencies and lifetime of filters relies on an accurate prediction of the progress of clogging in porous media. More specifically, we try to explain how fluid properties, such as the pressure gradient, and network structure affect the progress of clogging of colloidal particles in microfluidic systems of disordered glass beads. Experiments have shown that depending on the pressure gradient across such systems, we may expect either localized deposition (at lower pressure) or extended deposition (at higher pressure). We try to develop a mathematical model and use agent-based simulations to reproduce the results previously observed during experiments. To do so, we seek to answer what erosion and deposition laws lead to these two different behaviors and whether we can prove the existence of a phase transition theoretically.