How modeling assumptions shape predictions of convective mixing of carbon dioxide
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arXiv
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| Auteurs principaux: | , |
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| Format: | Preprint |
| Publié: |
2026
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| _version_ | 1866913062150209536 |
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| author | De Paoli, Marco Pirozzoli, Sergio |
| author_facet | De Paoli, Marco Pirozzoli, Sergio |
| contents | We investigate how models of fluid properties and boundary conditions influence predictions of convective mixing in confined porous media, with relevance to subsurface carbon dioxide storage. Using high-resolution simulations at high Rayleigh-Darcy numbers (O(10$^4$)), we analyze miscible fluids with linear, nonlinear, and non-monotonic density-concentration relationships under fixed- and free-interface in 2D and 3D. We show that, across all cases, mixing is governed by the mean scalar dissipation, providing a unifying framework for convective-diffusive interactions. The density-concentration relationship affects mixing via the effective density contrast driving convection and the position of the maximum density. Free interfaces enhance early-time mixing through deformation, while long-term behavior depends on fluid properties and dimensionality. We demonstrate that simplified modeling assumptions (e.g., monotonic density laws or 2D flow) can lead to deviations in predicted mixing rates of up to O(10-100)\%. These results offer guidance for model selection and improving predictions of convective mixing in geophysical systems. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2604_23199 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | How modeling assumptions shape predictions of convective mixing of carbon dioxide De Paoli, Marco Pirozzoli, Sergio Fluid Dynamics Geophysics We investigate how models of fluid properties and boundary conditions influence predictions of convective mixing in confined porous media, with relevance to subsurface carbon dioxide storage. Using high-resolution simulations at high Rayleigh-Darcy numbers (O(10$^4$)), we analyze miscible fluids with linear, nonlinear, and non-monotonic density-concentration relationships under fixed- and free-interface in 2D and 3D. We show that, across all cases, mixing is governed by the mean scalar dissipation, providing a unifying framework for convective-diffusive interactions. The density-concentration relationship affects mixing via the effective density contrast driving convection and the position of the maximum density. Free interfaces enhance early-time mixing through deformation, while long-term behavior depends on fluid properties and dimensionality. We demonstrate that simplified modeling assumptions (e.g., monotonic density laws or 2D flow) can lead to deviations in predicted mixing rates of up to O(10-100)\%. These results offer guidance for model selection and improving predictions of convective mixing in geophysical systems. |
| title | How modeling assumptions shape predictions of convective mixing of carbon dioxide |
| topic | Fluid Dynamics Geophysics |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.23199 |