Lubrication theory analysis of the permeability of rough-walled fractures

R. W. Zimmerman, S. Kumar, G. S. Bodvarsson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Lubrication theory is used to study the permeability of rough-walled rock fractures. Two idealized models of a fracture, in which the roughness follows a sinusoidal or a sawtooth variation, are studied in detail. The results are similar to those found previously from numerical analysis of fractures with random aperture distributions, in that the ratio of the hydraulic aperture depends mainly on the mean and the standard deviation of the aperture distribution. Higher-order approximations to the Navier-Stokes equations are then studied, and it is concluded that the validity of the lubrication approximation requires the fracture walls to be smooth over lengths on the order of one standard deviation of the aperture.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHigh Level Radioactive Waste Management
Editors Anon
PublisherPubl by ASCE
Pages535-541
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)0872628310
StatePublished - 1991
EventProceedings of the 2nd Annual International Conference on High Level Radioactive Waste Management - Las Vegas, NV, USA
Duration: Apr 28 1991May 3 1991

Publication series

NameHigh Level Radioactive Waste Management

Other

OtherProceedings of the 2nd Annual International Conference on High Level Radioactive Waste Management
CityLas Vegas, NV, USA
Period4/28/915/3/91

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering(all)

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