Modeling and Characterization of Fracture Roughness and its Impact on Mass Transport Processes

Faults and fractures are the main conduits for flow for reservoirs found in tight rocks, such as shale gas and geothermal resources. Real fractures have rough surfaces that create complex local aperture distributions and tortuous flow pathways. The overall objective of this study was to provide a better understanding of the impact of fracture roughness on fracture flow behavior. This included systematic rough fracture generation, consistent and efficient rough fracture characterization, and effective fracture flow behavior prediction at extended length scales.