Study of fractal aperture distribution and flow in fractures

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

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

Abstract

This study examines the roughness profiles and aperture distributions of fractures and faults by using concepts from fractal geometry. Simple models of flow of fluid in rough fractures are also discussed. A deterministic fractal representation of the roughness profile is presented which is shown to have many distinct advantages over other numerical methods, such as information compression, uniqueness and repeatability of surface simulation, retention of statistical information, and self-similarity over many scales. Also the fractal representation enables an isotropic surface and an aperture distribution to be simulated by examining a measured profile. Saturated fluid flow in fractures is then computed using a combined Navier-Stokes and Darcy equation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProc 1st Int Top Meet High Level Radioact Waste Manage Part 1
PublisherPubl by ASCE
Pages559-564
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)0872627519
StatePublished - 1990
EventProceedings of the 1st International Topical Meeting on High Level Radioactive Waste Management. Part 1 - Las Vegas, NV, USA
Duration: Apr 8 1990Apr 12 1990

Publication series

NameProc 1st Int Top Meet High Level Radioact Waste Manage Part 1

Other

OtherProceedings of the 1st International Topical Meeting on High Level Radioactive Waste Management. Part 1
CityLas Vegas, NV, USA
Period4/8/904/12/90

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering(all)

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