Numerical estimation of REV and permeability tensor for fractured rock masses by composite element method |
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| Authors: | S‐H Chen X‐M Feng S Isam |
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| Institution: | 1. State Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of China;2. Professor.;3. Chengdu Hydroelectric Investigation & Design Institute, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, People's Republic of China;4. Laboratoire De Mechanique de Lille (UMR 8107), Lille University of Science and Technology, Cite Scientifique, 59656 Villeneuve D'Ascq, France |
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| Abstract: | The Monte Carlo method is used to generate parent stochastic discrete fracture network, from which a series of fractured rock samples of different sizes and orientations are extracted. The fracture network combined with a regular grid forms composite element mesh of the fractured rock sample, in which each composite element is composed of sub‐elements incised by fracture segments. The composite element method (CEM) for the seepage is implemented to obtain the nodal hydraulic potential as well as the seepage flow rates through the fractured rock samples. The application of CEM enables a large quantity of stochastic tests for the fractured rock samples because the pre‐process is facilitated greatly. By changing the sizes and orientations of the samples, the analysis of the seepage characteristics is realized to evaluate the variation of the permeability components, the existence of the permeability tensor and the representative element volume. The feasibility and effectiveness are illustrated in a numerical example. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
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| Keywords: | discrete fracture network (DFN) permeability tensor composite element method (CEM) representative element volume (REV) |
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