Visualization of Transport Phenomena and Fracture Evolution in Fracture Networks in Hydrothermal Systems

Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

In this proposal the PIs and their collaborator at the University of Oklahoma propose to build, test, and conduct experiments with an experimental setup to measure flow of liquid through cracks in experimental materials. The cracks will consist of simple single cracks and also interconnected 3D crack networks. The solid matrix will consist of dried epoxy resin, silica glass and the fluid will be deionized and degassed distilled water with dye added. Some experiments will examine the effects of precipitation and dissolution of CaSO4 and other substances on flow through cracks and crack networks. The flow rates will be measured using camera techniques in a specially equipped lab. The results of these simple experiments will then be used to try to better understand the processes occurring in sea floor hydrothermal systems.