Masters Theses

Huining Zhang

Keywords and Phrases

Deformation bands; Finite element analysis; Fluid flow; Joints; Mechanical earth modeling

Abstract

"Cataclastic deformation bands, which are common in porous sandstone, have the potential to restrict fluid flow. Geological studies have shown that permeability of deformation band shear zones can be one to five orders of magnitude less than for the sandstone host rock. However, recent studies based on simplified analytical estimates have shown that fluid flow in jointed deformation bands may not be retarded since joints play an important role in conducting fluids. In this study, 2 dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) is used to simulate the total discharge flow rate through jointed deformations. Variations of single planar and conjugate jointed deformation bands are considered. The study includes a sensitivity analysis of joint aperture, joint and deformation band orientation, joint spacing, and deformation band thickness in order to evaluate the influence of these parameters on the total discharge flow rate via jointed deformation bands. This study also considers the influence of spatial distribution of deformation band, deformation band orientations, and deformation band continuity on fluid flow and provides the comparison with jointed deformation band to investigate whether joints still play a significant role"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Eckert, Andreas

Committee Member(s)

Heidari, Peyman
Dunn-Norman, Shari

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Petroleum Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2016

Pagination

xiii, 91 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 82-90).

Rights

© 2016 Huining Zhang, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Rock deformationDeformations (Mechanics)Stratigraphic traps (Petroleum geology)Fluid dynamics

Thesis Number

T 10990

Electronic OCLC #

958294170

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