scholarly journals Flow characteristics of fractal fracture with different fractal dimension and different fracture width

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (6 Part B) ◽  
pp. 4477-4484
Author(s):  
Jun-Jun Liu ◽  
Jing Xie ◽  
Yi-Ting Liu ◽  
Gui-Kang Liu ◽  
Rui-Feng Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fractal Dimension ◽  
Rock Mass ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Fracture Network ◽  
Basic Element ◽  
Single Fracture ◽  
Flow State ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Fracture Width ◽  
Fracture Models

Single fracture is the most basic element in complex fracture network of rock mass. Therefore, the study of flow characteristics of single fracture is an important way to reasonably predict the complex flow state in engineering rock mass. In order to study the flow characteristics of fractal single fracture, fracture models with dif?ferent fractal dimension and different fracture width are established in this paper. The results show that: the blocking effect of rough structure on fluid is obviously enhanced under high pressure. In addition, it is weakened and reaches a steady-state with the increase of fracture fractal dimension. The larger the fracture width is, the more obvious the phenomenon is. The hydraulic gradient index tends to 0.5 with the increase of fracture width when fractal dimension is greater than 1.3. It also could tend to 0.5 with the increase of fractal dimension when fracture width is greater than 1 mm.

scholarly journals Clustering, Connectivity and Flow Responses of Deterministic Fractal-Fracture Networks

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 149-156
Author(s):  
Ajay K. Sahu ◽  
Ankur Roy
Keyword(s):  
Fractal Dimension ◽  
Spatial Clustering ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Flow Simulation ◽  
Fractal Dimensions ◽  
Fracture Network ◽  
Natural Fracture ◽  
Fracture Networks ◽  
Fracture Models ◽  
Fractal Fracture

Abstract. It is well known that fracture networks display self-similarity in many cases and the connectivity and flow behavior of such networks are influenced by their respective fractal dimensions. In the past, the concept of lacunarity, a parameter that quantifies spatial clustering, has been implemented by one of the authors in order to demonstrate that a set of seven nested natural fracture maps belonging to a single fractal system, but of different visual appearances, have different clustering attributes. Any scale-dependency in the clustering of fractures will also likely have significant implications for flow processes that depend on fracture connectivity. It is therefore important to address the question as to whether the fractal dimension alone serves as a reasonable proxy for the connectivity of a fractal-fracture network and hence, its flow response or, if it is the lacunarity, a measure of scale-dependent clustering, that may be used instead. The present study attempts to address this issue by exploring possible relationships between the fractal dimension, lacunarity and connectivity of fractal-fracture networks. It also endeavors to study the relationship between lacunarity and fluid flow in such fractal-fracture networks. A set of deterministic fractal-fracture models generated at different iterations and, that have the same theoretical fractal dimension are used for this purpose. The results indicate that such deterministic synthetic fractal-fracture networks with the same theoretical fractal dimension have differences in their connectivity and that the latter is fairly correlated with lacunarity. Additionally, the flow simulation results imply that lacunarity influences flow patterns in fracture networks. Therefore, it may be concluded that at least in synthetic fractal-fracture networks, rather than fractal dimension, it is the lacunarity or scale-dependent clustering attribute that controls the connectivity and hence the flow behavior.

Depth-dependent Clustering Analysis of Fractures in Crystalline Basement Rocks

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Javad Afshari Moein ◽  
Keith Evans ◽  
Benoît Valley ◽  
Kristian Bär ◽  
Albert Genter
Keyword(s):  
Fractal Dimension ◽  
Rock Mass ◽  
Scaling Laws ◽  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Finite Size ◽  
Fracture Network ◽  
Crystalline Basement ◽  
Partial Fracture ◽  
Fracture Distribution

<p>Understanding the complex seismic, thermal, hydraulic and mechanical processes active during the hydraulic stimulation or continuous operation of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) requires an accurate description of the pre-existing fractures and faults. However, the three-dimensional characterization of the fracture network is challenging, as direct observation of the discontinuity network at great depth is limited. Fracture image logs and continuous core, which provide line samples through the fracture network, are most valuable in this regard as they provide the most precise option to place constraints on network attributes in stochastic realizations of the fractured rock mass. Among various geometrical attributes, the spatial clustering of fractures plays a critical role on the rock mass properties. </p><p>Here, we analyzed the spatial distribution of fractures derived from image log runs in six deep boreholes in crystalline basement rock. In one well, the fracture distribution from continuous core was also available. The wells were drilled to depths between 2-5 km, and were all located in the same tectonic setting of the Upper Rhine Graben, which is recognized for its high geothermal potential. The normalized correlation integral method was employed to define the scaling relationships of fracture patterns. This methodology is demonstrated to be less affected by the finite size effects, delivering reliable estimates of scaling laws.</p><p>Detailed analyses of image log datasets revealed fractal scaling with similar fractal dimensions (between 0.85 and 0.96), prevailed over almost two orders of magnitude of scale. The same was true for the fracture distribution derived from the continuous core, although this distribution was found to be more clustered than that derived from image logs in the same well (i.e. the fractal dimension was lower, which may be due to the partial fracture sampling of image logs which have a coarser resolution than continuous core analyses). Analysis of fractures in sub-sections of the core dataset from progressively increasing depths revealed no systematic depth-dependency for the fractal dimension, although a local variation at a scale of hundreds of meters was identified.</p>

scholarly journals A Fractal Model for Characterizing Hydraulic Properties of Fractured Rock Mass under Mining Influence

Geofluids ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoli Liu ◽  
Tao Liang ◽  
Sijing Wang ◽  
Kumar Nawnit
Keyword(s):  
Fractal Dimension ◽  
Rock Mass ◽  
Permeability Coefficient ◽  
Fractured Rock ◽  
Length Distribution ◽  
Fracture Network ◽  
Fractal Model ◽  
Physical Model Test ◽  
Fractured Rock Mass ◽  
Fractal Characteristics

In this paper, two basic assumptions are introduced: (1) The number and length distribution of fractures in fractured rock mass are in accordance with the fractal law. (2) Fluid seepage in the fractures satisfies the cubic law. Based on these two assumptions, the fractal model of parallel seepage and radial seepage in fractured rock mass is established, and the seepage tensor of fracture network which reflects the geometric characteristics and fractal characteristics of fracture network under two kinds of seepage is derived. The influence of fracture geometry and fractal characteristics on permeability is analyzed, and the validity and accuracy of the model are verified by comparing the calculated results of the theoretical model and physical model test. The results show that the permeability coefficient K of fracture network is a function of the geometric (maximum crack length Lmax, fractured horizontal projection length L0, diameter calculation section porosity Φ, fracture strike α, and fracture angle θ) and fractal characteristics (fracture network fractal dimension Df and seepage flow fractal dimension DT). With the increase of fractal dimension Df, the permeability coefficient increases. With the increase of DT, the permeability coefficient decreases rapidly. And the larger the Df (Df>1.5), the greater the change of permeability coefficient K with DT.

Influence of local splitting behavior at intersections on infiltration in an unsaturated fracture network 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song Xue ◽  
Zhibing Yang ◽  
Yi-Feng Chen
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Unsaturated Flow ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Fracture Network ◽  
Liquid Volume ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Local Flow ◽  
Divergent Flow ◽  
Macro Scale

<p>Understanding and predicting the macro-scale flow characteristics in the fractured vadose zone is of great importance for subsurface hydrological applications. Here we develop a network model to study infiltration in unsaturated fracture networks. We consider an idealized honeycomb-like fracture network composed of a series of Y-shaped and inverted Y-shaped intersections. At the scale of intersections, liquid storage/release and splitting/convergence behaviors are modeled according to local splitting relationships obtained from detailed laboratory work and numerical simulations. By varying the splitting relationships, the influence of local flow behaviors on large scale flow structures is systematically investigated. We find that when the water split tends to split equally at the intersection, a divergent flow structure forms in the network. Conversely, unequal splitting leads to preferential pathways. We also find that an avalanche infiltration mode, i.e., sudden release of a large amount of water from the network, emerges spontaneously, and is modulated by the local splitting behavior. The pathways of preferential flow is controlled by the liquid volume triggered by avalanches and the network structure. The improved understanding from this study may shed new light on the complex flow dynamics for unsaturated flow in fractured media.</p>

Fluid Flow Structure in Arterial Bypass Anastomosis

2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (4) ◽  
pp. 611-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Su ◽  
D. Lee ◽  
R. Tran-Son-Tay ◽  
W. Shyy
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Flow ◽  
Flow Structure ◽  
Bypass Graft ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Arterial Bypass ◽  
Flow Recirculation ◽  
Area Reduction ◽  
Complex Flow Structure

The fluid flow through a stenosed artery and its bypass graft in an anastomosis can substantially influence the outcome of bypass surgery. To help improve our understanding of this and related issues, the steady Navier-Stokes flows are computed in an idealized arterial bypass system with partially occluded host artery. Both the residual flow issued from the stenosis—which is potentially important at an earlier stage after grafting—and the complex flow structure induced by the bypass graft are investigated. Seven geometric models, including symmetric and asymmetric stenoses in the host artery, and two major aspects of the bypass system, namely, the effects of area reduction and stenosis asymmetry, are considered. By analyzing the flow characteristics in these configurations, it is found that (1) substantial area reduction leads to flow recirculation in both upstream and downstream of the stenosis and in the host artery near the toe, while diminishes the recirculation zone in the bypass graft near the bifurcation junction, (2) the asymmetry and position of the stenosis can affect the location and size of these recirculation zones, and (3) the curvature of the bypass graft can modify the fluid flow structure in the entire bypass system.

scholarly journals Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Preferential Flow in Fractured Network with Clogging Process

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaobing Chen ◽  
Jian Zhao ◽  
Li Chen
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Field ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Pressure Head ◽  
Fracture Network ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Single Fracture ◽  
Navier Stokes Equation ◽  
Physical Experiments ◽  
Fractured Network

In this study, physical experiments and numerical simulations are combined to provide a detailed understanding of flow dynamics in fracture network. Hydraulic parameters such as pressure head, velocity field, Reynolds number on certain monitoring cross points, and total flux rate are examined under various clogging conditions. Applying the COMSOL Multiphysics code to solve the Navier-Stokes equation instead of Reynolds equation and using the measured data to validate the model, the fluid flow in the horizontal 2D cross-sections of the fracture network was simulated. Results show that local clogging leads to a significant reshaping of the flow velocity field and a reduction of the transport capacity of the entire system. The flow rate distribution is highly influenced by the fractures connected to the dominant flow channels, although local disturbances in velocity field are unlikely to spread over the whole network. Also, modeling results indicate that water flow in a fracture network, compared with that in a single fracture, is likely to transit into turbulence earlier under the same hydraulic gradient due to the influence of fracture intersections.

scholarly journals Experimental Investigation of Water-Sand Mixed Fluid Initiation and Migration in Filling Fracture Network during Water Inrush

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Bin Yang ◽  
Tianhong Yang
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Critical Velocity ◽  
Network Flow ◽  
Water Inrush ◽  
Functional Relation ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Fracture Network ◽  
Nonlinear Flow ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
And Migration

For water inrush induced by fracture network flow, the critical velocity of the incipient motion of sand particles was obtained, and the functional relation between critical velocity and particle size was established through a series of tests on the nonlinear flow characteristics of a filling fracture network. The influence of the particle size distribution, hydrodynamic force, and geometric features of the fracture network on the characteristics of particle loss; distribution laws; and water-sand, two-phase migration was also explored. Moreover, the interactions amongst water, movable particles, the surface of the skeleton, and fracture walls, and the formation mechanism of the flow channel were qualitatively analyzed. In addition, the change rules of the mass loss characteristics and porosity of the samples with time were tested successfully. The calculation methods of the permeability and non-Darcy factor of the filling fracture network were also determined.

scholarly journals A methodology of re-generating a representative element volume of fractured rock mass

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-358
Author(s):  
DANG Hong-Lam ◽  
THINH Phi Hong
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Fractured Rock ◽  
Fracture Network ◽  
Hydraulic Calculation ◽  
Fractured Rock Mass ◽  
Fracture Characteristics ◽  
Mechanical Calculation ◽  
Representative Element ◽  
Representative Element Volume ◽  
Actual Fracture

In simulation of fractured rock mass such as mechanical calculation, hydraulic calculation or coupled hydro-mechanical calculation, the representative element volume of fractured rock mass in the simulating code is very important and give the success of simulation works. The difficulties of how to make a representative element volume are come from the numerous fractures distributed in different orientation, length, location of the actual fracture network. Based on study of fracture characteristics of some fractured sites in the world, the paper presented some main items concerning to the fracture properties. A methodology of re-generating a representative element volume of fractured rock mass by DEAL.II code was presented in this paper. Finally, some applications were introduced to highlight the performance as well as efficiency of this methodology.

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