Research progress on porous media flow simulation based on the Shan–Chen pseudopotential model

The simulation of porous media flow holds significant importance in resource development, environmental protection, and engineering applications. Traditional numerical methods, such as the finite difference method and finite element method, often face challenges in handling complex pore structures and heterogeneous properties. The lattice Boltzmann method based on the Shan–Chen pseudopotential model offers a novel tool for addressing multiphase flow and mass transfer problems in porous media. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the theoretical foundations and application advances of the Shan–Chen model in porous media. Key topics include the optimization of pseudopotential functions, improvements to the equation of state, enhancement of numerical stability under high-density ratio conditions, and its applications in multiphase flow, wettability effects, pore structure influences, and energy and environmental fields. Specific examples include shale reservoir development, CO2 geological sequestration, and fluid behavior studies in fuel cells and electrolyzers. Furthermore, the potential of graphics processing unit (GPU) parallel computing and deep learning techniques in improving the efficiency of the Shan–Chen model and predicting complex fluid behaviors is discussed. The study also outlines future research directions, such as high-density ratio flow simulation, multiscale modeling, and data-driven approaches, providing theoretical support and guidance for the development of porous media flow simulation.