Geometry of flow paths for fluid transport in rocks

摘要: Results from numerical simulations on two-dimensional networks used as an analog to pore space in porous rocks are presented emphasize the existence of preferential paths for transport processes heterogeneous media. The show that hydraulic flow and electrical current mostly driven so-called “critical paths” when size distribution has a decreasing exponential-like shape opposition nearly homogeneous or uniform like distributions. geometry these is controlled by spatially correlated large conductances can be described tortuosity factor, τ2. amount carried critical higher than predicted statistical effective medium models which do not take into account role spatial correlation. Another interesting result may change response alterations properties space, like, example, reduction connectivity due pressure-induced closure. also different those current. A analysis shows factor 1.5 average implies one must cautious using equivalent channel model determining permeability rocks. As have been done distributions crack geometries typically encountered rocks, highlighted this paper likely play important phenomenology Earth's crust.