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Simulation of flow and transport in a single fracture: Macroscopic effects of underestimating local head loss
Author(s) -
Nicholl Michael J.,
Detwiler Russell L.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2001gl013647
Subject(s) - mechanics , head (geology) , flow (mathematics) , reynolds number , hydraulic head , fracture (geology) , geology , work (physics) , current (fluid) , aperture (computer memory) , statistical physics , physics , geotechnical engineering , turbulence , geomorphology , thermodynamics , acoustics , oceanography
Fluid flow in a single fracture is commonly simulated using the Reynolds equation. Recent work suggests that this depth‐averaged approach underestimates head loss in regions of changing aperture. Implementing an ad hoc correction in the numerical formulation of the Reynolds equation allows us to modify local head loss, and calibrate simulation results to existing experimental data. Calibrated flow fields provide an improved estimate of longitudinal dispersivity, demonstrating the importance of adequately describing local head loss.