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Two-dimensional flow in a fractured medium

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Abstract

Transport processes within a liquid-filled fractured reservoir can be modelled using a double-diffusive mechanism in fracture and block. Then it is commonly assumed that the flow in the block is purely one-dimensional (e.g. vertical). Lateral flow within the block will, however, become significant at long times. Avdonin has given an analytic solution for the pressure response in an infinite fissure bounded by two homogeneous half-spaces, allowing vertical flow only in the blocks. We extend this solution to include horizontal flow in the blocks. There are significant qualitative differences between the two cases. In particular, we find that if fluid is injected at a constant rate into the fissure and horizontal flow in the blocks is allowed, then the long-time pressure response of the fissure/block assembly has the same character as that due to a line source in a homogeneous anisotropic porous medium.

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Kissling, W., Young, R.M. Two-dimensional flow in a fractured medium. Transp Porous Med 4, 335–368 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00165779

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00165779

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