3D printing of fracture networks

Conventional experiments using real rock samples have trouble in observing rock structures and controlling fracture properties. Taking advantage of 3D printing technologies, we made a complex fracture network by using a 3D printer. Hydraulic properties, such as porosity and permeability were similar with the theoretical values. A tracer response curve from the flow experiment were compared with numerical simulations.

传统真实岩样实验存在难以观测岩石内部结构、无法精准控制裂隙特性的局限。本研究借助3D打印技术，通过3D打印机构建了复杂裂隙网络，该网络的孔隙度、渗透率等水力特性与理论值较为吻合。研究中将流动实验得到的示踪剂响应曲线与数值模拟结果进行了对比分析。