This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the kinetic theory
for describing flow problems from molecular scale, hydrodynamic scale,
to Darcy scale. The author presents various numerical algorithms to
solve the same Boltzmann-like equation for different applications of
different scales, in which the dominant transport mechanisms may differ.
This book presents a concise introduction to the Boltzmann equation of
the kinetic theory, based on which different simulation methods that
were independently developed for solving problems of different fields
can be naturally related to each other. Then, the advantages and
disadvantages of different methods will be discussed with reference to
each other. It mainly covers four advanced simulation methods based on
the Boltzmann equation (i.e., direct simulation Monte Carlo method,
direct simulation BGK method, discrete velocity method, and lattice
Boltzmann method) and their applications with detailed results. In
particular, many simulations are included to demonstrate the
applications for both conventional and unconventional reservoirs.
With the development of high-resolution CT and high-performance
computing facilities, the study of digital rock physics is becoming
increasingly important for understanding the mechanisms of enhanced oil
and gas recovery. The advanced methods presented here have broad
applications in petroleum engineering as well as mechanical engineering,
making them of interest to researchers, professionals, and graduate
students alike. At the same time, instructors can use the codes at the
end of the book to help their students implement the advanced technology
in solving real industrial problems.
