Flow Around a Crack in a Porous Matrix and Related Problems

The equations governing plane steady-state flow in heterogeneous porous body containing cracks are presented first. Then, a general transformation lemma is presented which allows extending a particular solution obtained for a given flow problem to another configuration with different geometry, behaviour and boundary conditions. An existing potential solution in terms of discharges along the cracks, established by Liolios and Exadaktylos (J Solids Struct 43:3960–3982, 2006) for non-intersecting cracks in isotropic matrix, is extended to intersecting cracks in anisotropic matrix. The basic problem of a single straight crack in an infinite body submitted to a pressure gradient at infinity is then investigated and a closed-form solution is presented for the case of void cracks (infinite conductivity), as well as a semi-analytical solution for the case of cracks with Poiseuille type conductivity. These solutions, derived first for an isotropic matrix, are then extended to anisotropic matrices using the general transformation lemma. Finally, using the solution obtained for a single crack, a closed-form estimation of the effective permeability of micro-cracked porous materials with weak crack density is derived from a self-consistent upscaling scheme.     

Numerical Modelling of Steady-State Flow in 2D Cracked Anisotropic Porous Media by Singular Integral Equations Method

The equations governing plane steady-state flow in heterogeneous porous media containing curved-line intersecting cracks (Pouya and Ghabezloo in Transp Porous Media 84:511?C532, 2010) and the potential solution obtained for these equations are considered here. The theoretical results are first completed for the mass balance at crack intersections points. Then, a numerical procedure based on a singular integral equations method is described concretely to derive this solution for cracked materials. Closed-form expressions of elementary integrals for special choice of collocation points lead to a very quick and easy numerical method. It is shown that this method can be applied efficiently to the study of the steady-state flow in cracked materials with anisotropic matrix permeability and a dense distribution of curved-line intersecting cracks. Some applications of this method to the permeability of cracked materials are given.     

开裂孔隙材料渗透率的细观力学模型研究

采用细观力学方法对含随机裂纹网络的孔隙材料渗透性进行研究.开裂孔隙材料渗透性的影响因素包括裂纹网络的密度、连通度、裂纹的开度以及孔隙材料基体渗透性.对于不连通的裂纹网络,该文采用已有的相互作用直推法(interaction direct derivative,IDD)的理论框架,引入裂纹的密度$\rho$和裂纹开度比$b$,提出了裂纹夹杂$\!$-$\!$-$\!$基体两相复合材料渗透率的IDD理论解.对于部分连通裂纹网络,考虑局部裂纹团内部各个裂纹对有效渗透率的相互放大作用,引入裂纹网络的连通度$f$,定义与连通度相关的水平裂纹密度$\rho^{h}$,按照增量法将表征连通特征的水平裂纹嵌入有效基体中,以此方式来考虑裂纹夹杂间的相互搭接,提出了考虑裂纹连通特征的扩展IDD理论解,分别考虑了基体材料渗透率$K_{m}$、裂纹密度$\rho $、裂纹开度比$b$以及与连通度$f$相关的$\rho ^{\rm h}$.最后通过对有限区域内含随机裂纹网络孔隙材料渗透过程的有限元模拟分别验证了不连通和部分连通裂纹网络扩展IDD模型的适用性:(1)当裂纹不连通时,由于基体对流体渗透的阻隔作用,裂纹的开度对有效渗透率影响不大;(2)当裂纹部分连通时,裂纹密度分别小于1.1(无关联裂纹网络,分形维数为2.0)、1.2(关联裂纹网络,分形维数为1.75)时,扩展IDD模型能够很好地估计开裂孔隙材料的有效渗透率,但是随着裂纹进一步扩展,最大裂纹团主导作用凸显,扩展IDD模型不再适用.      

Phase-field modeling of hydraulic fracture

In this work a theoretical framework implementing the phase-field approach to fracture is used to couple the physics of flow through porous media and cracks with the mechanics of fracture. The main modeling challenge addressed in this work, which is a challenge for all diffuse crack representations, is on how to allow for the flow of fluid and the action of fluid pressure on the aggregate within the diffuse damage zone of the cracks. The theory is constructed by presenting the general physical balance laws and conducting a consistent thermodynamic analysis to constrain the constitutive relationships. Constitutive equations that reproduce the desired responses at the various limits of the phase-field parameter are proposed in order to capture Darcy-type flow in the intact porous medium and Stokes-type flow within open cracks. A finite element formulation for the solution of the governing model equations is presented and discussed. Finally, the theoretical and numerical model is shown to compare favorably to several important analytical solutions. More complex and interesting calculations are also presented to illustrate some of the advantageous features of the approach.     

Hydraulic fracture in poro-hydro-elastic media

The prediction of fluid-driven crack propagation in deforming porous media has achieved increasing interest in recent years, in particular with regard to the modeling of hydraulic fracturing, the so-called “fracking”. Here, the challenge is to link at least three modeling ingredients for (i) the behavior of the solid skeleton and fluid bulk phases and their interaction, (ii) the crack propagation on not a priori known paths and (iii) the extra fluid flow within developing cracks. To this end, a macroscopic framework is proposed for a continuum phase field modeling of fracture in porous media that provides a rigorous approach to a diffusive crack modeling based on the introduction of a regularized crack surface. The approach overcomes difficulties associated with the computational realization of sharp crack discontinuities, in particular when it comes to complex crack topologies including branching. It shows that the quasi-static problem of elastically deforming, fluid-saturated porous media at fracture is related to a minimization principle for the evolution problem. The existence of this minimization principle for the coupled problem is advantageous with regard to a new unconstrained stable finite element design, while previous space discretizations of the saddle point principles are constrained by the LBB condition. This proposed formulation includes a generalization of crack driving forces from energetic definitions towards threshold-based criteria in terms of the effective stress related to the solid skeleton of a fluid-saturated porous medium. Furthermore, a Poiseuille-type constitutive continuum modeling of the extra fluid flow in developed cracks is suggested based on a deformation-dependent permeability, that is scaled by a characteristic length.     

空孔对直眼掏槽参数及爆破效果的影响研究

为解决含空孔直眼掏槽中炮孔间距、炮孔与空孔距离的确定问题,首先,从爆生气体膨胀做功致裂岩体和空孔效应入手,推导了爆生裂纹的长度计算公式,确定了掏槽炮孔间距a和炮孔与空孔距离L的计算公式,得到了大空孔直眼掏槽空孔处片裂区长度公式,确立了应力集中作用下空孔迎爆侧径向裂纹产生的判据;然后,以灰岩(硬岩)和泥岩(软岩)对比分析了不同设计思想下的爆破参数和掏槽效果;最后,结合工程实践验证了理论分析的可靠性。结果表明:不同设计思想下,含空孔直眼掏槽的爆破破岩机理不同,以a为主时,相邻炮孔间裂纹的贯通是形成槽腔的关键,而以L为主且考虑空孔效应时,炮孔与空孔优先贯通形成槽腔。硬、软岩中应力波(动作用)与爆生气体(静作用)对爆生裂纹长度的贡献率约为4∶1和9∶1,空孔效应导致的软岩的片裂区大于硬岩的,爆破参数设计时应重点考虑;而空孔处产生径向裂纹的临界距离均小于炮孔爆生裂纹长度与空孔半径之和,因此不会产生径向裂纹,爆破参数设计时可不予考虑。以上结果说明,不同设计思想对槽腔掏槽爆破参数和槽腔爆破效果影响较大,基于爆生气体致裂的爆生裂纹长度计算模型可为爆破参数设计提供参考。     

Comparison Between Equivalent Continuum and Discrete Crack Models of Transient Radon Transport at the Soil–Building Foundation Crack Interface Using TOUGH2/EOS7Rn

In the framework of radon risk management in France, it is necessary to enhance knowledge on radon transfer from its source to exposure areas (e.g., buildings) by developing simple, accurate, numerical models for transient radon transport in three-dimensional (3D) unsaturated porous materials. The equivalent continuum model (ECM) of flow and transport at the interface between the soil and cracks (fissures) in a building foundation (e.g., slab on grade, basement) is attractive, since equivalent (effective) continuum properties assigned to model cells can represent the combined effect of individual cracks and solid matrix of the cracked concrete of the foundation (slab and blocks walls). Although the ECM approach based on the volume averaging method has been used to model flow and transport through cracks at the soil–building interface, it has never been verified numerically. Thus, the goal of the present work is to develop an ECM using this averaging method and to quantify its uncertainties based on its comparison to an accurate numerical discrete crack model (DCM) for flow and transport in the crack. As a first step, the DCM implemented in the TOUGH2/EOS7Rn module has been verified numerically through a comparison to a reference 3D steady-state numerical solution for radon transport into a house with basement under constant negative pressure. Then, 3D results of the DCM and ECM approaches were compared, under time-dependent indoor–outdoor pressure differentials conditions, for two crack line configurations in the basement slab floor and two different soil configurations with different soil permeability and radium \(^{226}\)Ra mass content values. Results of this comparison show that, for a homogeneous soil configuration, discrepancies between ECM and DCM simulated indoor radon activity concentrations decrease with the increase in soil permeability, regardless crack line configuration in the slab floor and soil radium mass content. However, ECM uncertainties were not within the range of absolute errors on measured radon concentration for the higher soil permeability \((1\times 10^{-9}, 1\times 10 ^{-8} \hbox { m}^{2})\) and the higher \(^{226}\hbox {Ra}\) mass content values (4500 \(\hbox {Bq\;kg}^{-1})\), especially for high radon pics induced by sudden increase in indoor air pressure drop. Regardless soil \(^{226}\hbox {Ra}\) mass content and crack line configuration in the slab floor, the ECM showed to be conservative for the two-layered soil configuration with the presence of aggregates beneath the slab foundation, generally practiced in buildings constructions.     

Analysis of multiple axisymmetric annular cracks in a piezoelectric medium

An axisymmetric annular electric dislocation is defined. The solution of axisymmetric electric and Volterra climb and glide dislocations in an infinite transversely isotropic piezoelectric domain is obtained by means of Hankel transforms. The distributed dislocation technique is used to construct integral equations for a system of co-axial annular cracks with so-called permeable and impermeable electric boundary conditions on the crack faces where the domain is under axisymmetric electromechanical loading. These equations are solved numerically to obtain dislocation densities on the crack surfaces. The dislocation densities are employed to determine field intensity factors for a system of interacting annular and/or penny-shaped cracks.     

Coupled modeling of damage growth and permeability variation in brittle rocks

This paper presents a coupled model for anisotropic damage and permeability evolution by using a micro–macro approach. The damage state is represented by a second order tensor. The evolution of damage is determined from a crack propagation criterion. The free enthalpy function of cracked material is obtained by using micromechanical considerations. It is assumed that cracks exhibit normal aperture which is coupled with the crack growth due to asperities of crack faces. By using Darcy’s law for macroscopic fluid flow and assuming laminar flow in microcracks, the overall permeability of the RVE is obtained by a volume averaging procedure taking into account crack aperture in each orientation.     

A solution to the hydraulic fracture problem in the traveling wave form

Solutions to the system of equations describing the propagation of hydraulic fracture cracks in a porous medium are obtained in the traveling wave form. The only sought solution is the separatrix of integral curves on the “penetration depth-crack width” plane. Some necessary dependencies that should be given at the crack inlet are found for the fluid flow rate and the fluid pressure. The crack width and the fluid penetration depth are related by power laws in the limiting cases when the crack propagation processes or the fluid penetration processes are dominant.     

Shear flow over a porous particle

Linear axisymmetric Stokes flow over a porous spherical particle is investigated. An exact analytic solution for the fluid velocity components and the pressure inside and outside the porous particle is obtained. The solution is generalized to include the cases of arbitrary three-dimensional linear shear flow as well as translational-shear Stokes flow. As the permeability of the particle tends to zero, the solutions obtained go over into the corresponding solutions for an impermeable particle. The problem of translational Stokes flow around a spherical drop (in the limit a gas bubble or an impermeable sphere) was considered, for example, in [1,2]. A solution of the problem of translational Stokes flow over a porous spherical particle was given in [3]. Linear shear-strain Stokes flow over a spherical drop was investigated in [2].Translated from Izvestiya Rossiiskoi Akademii Nauk, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 3, pp. 113–120, May–June, 1995.     

Application of a lattice-gas numerical algorithm to modelling water transport in fractured porous media

A 2D lattice-gas numerical algorithm was used to simulate liquid infiltration into unsaturated porous media with a parallel sided central crack. The chosen model, the interacting liquid-gas model of Appert and Zaleski, has dynamic properties leading to a phase transition and liquid and gas phases can be simulated by the model. These two phases are used to simulate biphasic flow in porous media. Fourteen numerical experiments of liquid infiltration were carried out which differed in the morphology of the microporous matrix, in the aperture of the central crack and in the amount of liquid supplied. For the same microporous matrix, the infiltration dynamics in the dual media depended upon the ratio between the amount of liquid supplied and the crack aperture. Variations in water storage over time and liquid flow regimes within the cracks are discussed.     

The effective electroelastic property of piezoelectric media with parallel dielectric cracks

Existing studies on the coupled electroelastic behaviour of cracked piezoelectric media have been based mostly on the electrically impermeable and permeable crack models. The current paper presents a study of the effective electroelastic property of piezoelectric media weakened by parallel cracks using a dielectric crack model with the electric boundary condition along the crack surfaces being governed by the opening displacement. The theoretical formulation is obtained using the dilute model of distributed cracks and the solution of a single dielectric crack problem. It is observed that the effective electroelastic property of cracked piezoelectric media is nonlinear and sensitive to loading conditions. Different modes of crack deformation are predicted and discussed. Attention is paid to the transition between electrically permeable and impermeable crack models.     

Spread of plasticity from a stack of cracks under mode I conditions

The paper studies the extent of plastic relaxation around the tips of an infinite sequence of slitlike cracks contained in a large elastic solid. The cracks have a constant distance of vertical separation, and the solid is deforming under tensile loading (mode I). The plastic region around each of the crack tips coplanar with the crack itself is represented by a suitable distribution of edge dislocations, which is determined from equilibrium considerations. The latter lead to a singular integral equation which is solved numerically. The solution procedure is uniformly valid for any crack spacing. Furthermore, an alternate perturbation technique is used for widely spaced cracks. Solutions are obtained as a function of the crack spacing and the applied tensile load, and the results discussed from the point of fracture initiation at stresss concentrations.     

裂缝角度对含气多孔介质热流耦合特性影响研究

为研究含裂缝多孔介质内部流体的流动和传热特性,通过热-流耦合传热实验测试对5种裂缝倾角(0°,15°,30°,150°,165°)多孔介质进行了研究.结果表明:裂缝角度y=0°的多孔介质达到稳态需要时间最长,约为720min,传热速率最慢,适用于削弱传热应用;裂缝角度旋转方向对多孔介质内高低温流体的混合能力影响较大,裂...     

Free Flow at the Interface of Porous Surfaces: A Generalization of the Taylor Brush Configuration

A solution to the problem of shallow laminar water flow above a porous surface is essential when modeling phenomena such as erosion, resuspension, and mass transfer between the porous media and the flow above it. Previous studies proposed theoretical, experimental, and numerical insight with no single general solution to the problem. Many studies have used the Brinkman equation, while others showed that it does not represent the actual interface flow conditions. In this paper we show that the interface macroscopic velocity can be accurately modeled by introducing a modification to the Brinkman equation. A moving average approach was proved to be successful when choosing the correct representative elementary volume and comparing the macroscopic solution with the average microscopic flow. As the size of the representative elementary volume was found to be equal to the product of the square root of the permeability and an exponential function of the porosity, a general solution is now available for any brush configuration. Given the properties of the porous media (porosity and permeability), the flow height and its driving force, a complete macroscopic solution of the interface flow is obtained.     

定向断裂控制爆破的空孔效应实验分析

采用新型数字激光动态焦散线实验系统, 对爆炸荷载作用下空孔周围的动应力场分布及空孔对爆生主裂纹扩展行为的影响进行了研究。研究结果表明, 在空孔周围强应力场的影响下, 2条相向扩展的爆生主裂纹逐渐向空孔处偏转, 并在空孔处贯通; 空孔附近的主应力方向与炮孔连心线夹角基本稳定在约12°, 增大空孔尺寸对空孔附近的主应力方向影响不明显; 爆炸应力波与空孔相互作用, 产生反射拉伸波, 改变了主裂纹尖端的应力场, 降低了主裂纹的扩展速度, 且空孔直径越大, 主裂纹的扩展速度越低; 当爆生主裂纹扩展到空孔附近时, 主裂纹尖端动态应力强度因子再次出现上升的趋势。     

Experimental Investigation on Transport Properties of Cement-Based Materials Incorporating 2D Crack Networks

This paper investigates the correlation between the geometry of crack networks and the altered transport properties of cement-based porous materials. Cracks were artificially introduced into slice specimens to obtain bidimensional (2D) crack networks, and the network was characterized by the crack density, orientation, connectivity and crack opening aperture. For the permeability, the water vapor sorption isotherms were measured and an algorithm was established to solve the intrinsic permeability of cracked specimens with the help of moisture transport modeling and the data of drying tests. The electrical conductivity of cracked specimens was measured using an alternative current method. The study on the specimens with percolated cracks shows that: (1) the pertinent geometry parameters for altered transport properties include average-based crack density, crack opening and local crack connectivity; (2) the water permeability of cracked specimens is correlated to the combination \(b^{1.7}\rho f\) and electrical conductivity to \(b^{0.45}\rho f\); (3) the different exponents on the crack opening/length ratio reflect the resistance of tortuosity of crack paths to the water and current flow and this resistance is stronger for current flow.     

Flow Performance of Perforated Completions

A powerful approximate method for modeling the flow performance of perforated completions under steady-state conditions has been developed. The method is based on the representation of the perforation tunnels surrounding a wellbore by the equivalent elongated ellipsoids. This makes possible an analytical treatment of a 3D problem of steady-state flow in a porous medium with complex multiple production surfaces. The solution is obtained for a vertical wellbore fully penetrating through a horizontal formation in the presence of permeability anisotropy. The perforations are oriented horizontally, arranged in almost arbitrary patterns, repeating along the wellbore, and may have different lengths and shapes. The hydraulic resistances of perforations flowing inside them as well as the crushed zones around them with impaired permeability are neglected. The approximate solution found was verified by comparing the previous analytical/numerical solutions for a small number of perforations. This approach allows one to determine the local skin or the effective wellbore radius for any perforated interval, which can then be integrated into the conventional calculations of well productivity and used for the perforating gun selection during perforation job design.     

Filtration model of longitudinal flow in a finned cylindrical channel

The problem of laminar flow of a viscous incompressible fluid in a finned circular tube is considered. A solution is obtained in the form of series in eigenfunctions of the Laplace operator; the coefficients in the series are found numerically. For the same problem, a simpler filtration approximation is proposed in which the system of fins is modeled by a radially inhomogeneous porous layer, and fluid flow in it is described by the Brinkman equation. A formula for the effective permeability of the porous medium is obtained by varying the number and height of fins. The formula provides an accurate evaluation of the mean flow velocity and viscous drag coefficient in finned channels.