Visualization and quantitative evaluation of aperture distribution, fluid flow and tracer transport in a variable aperture fracture

Xiao, J.; Sato, Hisashi*; Sawada, Atsushi ; Takebe, Atsuji*

The heterogeneous void geometries (aperture distribution) in a single fracture have a strong influence on fluid flow process and the solute transport. In order to understand and to predict flow and transport phenomenon through fracture, this paper describes newly developed method for the simultaneous evaluations of fracture aperture, concentration distribution of tracers and fluid velocity in a fracture by means of Light-emitting diode (LED) transmission measurement and Particle Image Velocity (PIV) combine system. It was utilized to accomplish the visualization of flow and solute transport, and to evaluate quantitatively the effect of fracture aperture correlation on temporal flow and transport process through fracture.