Hydrofractures

Hydrofracture simulations with fluid pressures generated at random localities within a porous rock.

There is no external deformation except for gravity on the model. Fluid pressure in the background is hydrostatic. The whole model is 1000m high and wide. It is assumed that the model material is covered by 3km of rocks.

The model also allows healing of the cracks. Cracks are shown in blue. Healing takes place only partly producing a memory effect of fracturing.

Fractures that develop show mainly conjugate geometries.

Simulation with Elle