Determination of Forchheimer equation coefficients a and b

Abstract This study focuses on the determination of the Forchheimer equation coefficients a and b for non‐Darcian flow in porous media. Original theoretical equations are evaluated and empirical relations are proposed based on an investigation of available data in the literature. The validity of these equations is checked using existing experimental data, and their accuracy versus existing approaches is studied. On the basis of this analysis, some insight into the physical background of the phenomenon is also provided. The dependence of the coefficients a and b on the Reynolds number is also detected, and potential future research areas, e.g. investigation of inertial effects for consolidated porous media, are pointed out. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.