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Channel model of flow through fractured media
Author(s) -
Tsang Y. W.,
Tsang C. F.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr023i003p00467
Subject(s) - tracer , aperture (computer memory) , flow (mathematics) , channel (broadcasting) , geology , fracture (geology) , mechanics , fluid dynamics , geotechnical engineering , mineralogy , physics , computer science , acoustics , computer network , nuclear physics
On the basis of a review of recent theoretical and experimental studies of flow through fractured rocks, we have studied the fluid flow and solute transport in a tight fractured medium in terms of flow through channels of variable aperture. The channels are characterized by an aperture density distribution and a spatial correlation length. Aperture profiles along the channels are statistically generated and compared to laboratory measurements of fracture surfaces. Calculated tracer transport between two points in the fractured media is by way of a number of such channels. Tracer breakthrough curves display features that correspond well with recent data by Moreno et al., which lends support to the validity of our model. Calculated pressure profiles along the channels suggest possible measurements that may be useful in identifying the geometrical characteristics of the channels. Finally, predictions were made for tracer breakthrough curves in the case of single fractures under various degrees of normal stress. These suggest possible laboratory experiments which may be performed to validate this conceptual model.