Mechanics of multiphase fluid flows in variably saturated porous media (Q1064247)

This article proposes a set of flow equations governing the simultaneous movement of aqueous and nonaqueous liquids in variably saturated soils. The basic principles and balance laws of continuum mixture theory, along with thermodynamically admissible constitutive laws and simplifying kinematic assumptions, yield a formulation for isochoric multiphase flows through a nondeforming porous matrix. Cast in terms of familiar quantities, the governing equations are similar in form to the classic Richards equation for each liquid phase. The development suggests new rock-fluid properties that must be measured to characterize multiphase flows in the unsaturated zone.