Optimizing fluid production from porous media: From hydraulic fractures to plant roots

Yunhu Lu, Sriram Chandrashekar, Kangping Chen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper discusses the physical mechanisms of enhanced fluid production from thin and slender porous structures such as hydraulic fractures and plant roots. The work shows how the end effect induces a large local pressure gradient in the medium which creates a converging flow pattern that focuses the fluid to the end region. As a result, a nearly singular flux density around the end develops which can promote the flux density distribution along the structure-medium surface, thus enhancing the production rate. For a given porous structure volume, a competition exists between the structure conductivity and the structure penetration length. This leads to an optimal length-towidth ratio for the structure that maximizes the fluid production rate. Optimized fracture and plant root are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMechanics of Solids, Structures and Fluids; NDE, Diagnosis, and Prognosis
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791850633
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
EventASME 2016 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2016 - Phoenix, United States
Duration: Nov 11 2016Nov 17 2016

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
Volume9

Other

OtherASME 2016 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhoenix
Period11/11/1611/17/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering

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