DarSIA: An Open-Source Python Toolbox for Two-Scale Image Processing of Dynamics in Porous Media

Abstract

Understanding porous media flow is inherently a multi-scale challenge, where at the core lies the aggregation of pore-level processes to a continuum, or Darcy-scale, description. This challenge is directly mirrored in image processing, where pore-scale grains and interfaces may be clearly visible in the image, yet continuous Darcy-scale parameters may be what are desirable to quantify. Classical image processing is poorly adapted to this setting, as most techniques do not explicitly utilize the fact that the image contains explicit physical processes. Here, we extend classical image processing concepts to what we define as “physical images” of porous materials and processes within them. This is realized through the development of a new open-source image analysis toolbox specifically adapted to time-series of images of porous materials.