Abstract

A network of cracks pervading a rock is modeled by a random distribution of two-dimensional intersecting, complex, narrow cracks. The percolation properties of the resulting network are studied as functions of the crack-area density and size of the medium. Gas flow commences at a finite value of the crack density which in Arkansas Novaculite rocks amounts according to our model to 670 cracks per cm2. The mean probability of finding at least one crack intersecting another is 0.57 at the threshold density. Above that, the rock gas-flow permeability increases superlinearly with crack density due to the enhancement of short percolative paths.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call