Flow through a finite packed bed of spheres: A note on the limit of applicability of the Forchheimer-type equation

The variation of the pressure drop measured as a function of the fluid velocity through a packed bed of spheres is presented and discussed in the range of particle Reynolds number 30-1500. Based on previous studies, the observed limit of validity of the so-called Forchheimer law may be attributed to the concomitant effects of the finite character of the tested bed and of the transition of flow regime which is marking the beginning of the fully developed turbulent flow regime. The limit of validity of the Forchheimer-type law was formerly noticed by several authors.