Simulating stress-dependent fluid flow in a fractured core sample usingreal-time X-ray CT data

摘要: Abstract. Various geoscientific applications require a fast prediction of fracture permeability for an optimal workflow. Hence, the objective current study is to introduce and validate practical method characterize approximate single flow in fractures under different stress conditions by using core-flooding apparatus, situ X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans finite-volume solving Navier–Stokes–Brinkman equations. The fractured sandstone sample was measured stepwise during loading–unloading cycle (0.7 22.1 MPa back) numerical results. Simultaneously, pressurized core imaged with medical CT scanner voxel dimension 0.5  ×  0.5  ×  1.0 mm3. Fracture geometries were obtained images based on modification simplified missing attenuation (MSMA) approach. Simulation results revealed both qualitative plausibility quantitative approximation experimentally derived permeabilities. indicate channeling along several preferential paths less pronounced tortuosity. Significant changes can be assigned temporal permanent within due applied stresses. deviations appear mainly caused local underestimation hydraulic properties compositional matrix heterogeneities low resolution affecting accurate capturing sub-grid-scale features. Both affect proper reproduction actual connectivity therefore also depiction expected hysteresis. Furthermore, threshold value CTmat (1862.6 HU) depicting material represents most sensitive input parameter simulations. Small variations cause enormous simulated up factor 2.6 ± 0.1 and, thus, have defined caution. Nevertheless, comparison further CT-based simulations indicates that proposed valuable permeabilities, particularly smooth (