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Microscopic analysis of macroscopic transport properties of single natural fractures using graph theory algorithms
Author(s) -
Yang Gemei,
Myer Larry R.,
Brown Stephen R.,
Cook Neville G. W.
Publication year - 1995
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 - 10.1029/95gl01498
Subject(s) - imbibition , graph theory , algorithm , complex fracture , graph , computer science , capillary pressure , permeability (electromagnetism) , flow (mathematics) , relative permeability , fracture (geology) , mechanics , geology , mathematics , porous medium , theoretical computer science , geotechnical engineering , physics , porosity , chemistry , biochemistry , botany , germination , combinatorics , membrane , biology
Given an aperture distribution for a single fracture, a graph theory model has been employed to simulate the transport properties of the fracture. In the processes of imbibition and drainage, the connectivity of each phase at a particular capillary pressure can be sought out by the priority‐first search algorithm of graph theory. Then, the flow path in each phase can be identified, and flow equations can be established and solved in an optimal manner. It was observed that in a simulated rough fracture, a few flow “channels” can dominate the permeability of the whole system.