Numéro |
J. Phys. II France
Volume 5, Numéro 3, March 1995
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|
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Page(s) | 465 - 482 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jp2:1995133 |
J. Phys. II France 5 (1995) 465-482
Permeability of a Single Fracture; Validity of the Reynolds Equation
V.V. Mourzenko, J.-F. Thovert and P.M. AdlerLPTM/CNRS, Asterama 2, Avenue du Téléport, 86360 Chasseneuil du Poitou, France
(Received 17 October 1994, received in final form 1 December 1994, accepted 7 December 1994)
Abstract
Single fractures are generated by statistical methods and described by a probability density of the profile heights and a
spatial covariance function which is either Gaussian or self-affine. The results of numerical simulations based on both 2D
Reynolds and 3D Stokes equations are presented. Total fluxes predicted by these equations for the same fractures are given
and discussed. The difference between predictions of both models is analysed for the range of correlation lengths and apertures
of real fractures, and it is found that the total fluxes for the same fractures may differ more than two times. When the local
distance between the surfaces is used, the Reynolds equation provides much better results.
© Les Editions de Physique 1995