Studying open fractures in CT-scanner - Percolating fracture network (3D)

*Warning:* You will need red-green glasses to see this movie in 3D, a version without 3D can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb_kanPHRSc *
This video is related to the publication: Holland M. van Gent H. W. Bazalgette L. Yassir N. Hoogerduijn-Strating E. H. Urai J. L. (2011) Evolution of dilatant fracture networks in normal faults -- evidence from 4D model experiments. Earth and Planetary Science Letters. (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2011.02.017)
See the paper or www.ged.rwth-aachen.de for more details.
Dilatant fractures in normal fault zones are widely recognized as major pathways of fluid flow in the upper crust where the ratio of rock strength and effective stress is suitable for their formation, but the structure of these fracture networks in 3D, their connectivity and their temporal evolution is poorly known.
We build on 2D studies of scaled models of fracture networks dilatant normal faults (for example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmgYBsHuVHk), using a series of X-ray computer tomograph scans of a physical model. We show how the dilatant fracture network evolves in 3D, as a complex self-organizing system with self-similar geometry.
This video shows the CT scan result before the fractures (black, air filed) were separated from the hemihydrate powder (white) .
See the paper or www.ged.rwth-aachen.de for more details.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Geology
• fault
• ct-scanner
• computer tomography
• dilatant network
• percolating network
• analogue model
• Hemihydrate powder