Impact of seepage flow on sediment resuspension by internal solitary waves:parameterization and mechanism

Sediment incipient motion is the first step in sediment resuspension.Previous studies ignored the effect of seepage flow on the mobility of sediment particles and simplified the seabed surface as a rigid boundary.A flume experiment was designed to innovatively divide the seabed into two parts to control the dynamic response of the seabed and control the seepage conditions.In the experiment,the seabed sediments and the amplitude of internal solitary waves(ISWs)were changed to compare and analyze the impact of seepage flow on the sediment resuspension by shoaling ISWs.Moreover,parametric research and verification were carried out.Results indicate that seepage flow can greatly influence fine sand,promote sediment resuspension,and increase the amount of suspension by two times on average.However,seepage flow had a little effect on the suspension of clayey silt and sandy silt.Besides,seepage force was added to the traditional gravity,drag force,and uplift force,and the parameterization of threshold starting shear stress of coarse-grained sediments was developed.The results of this parameterization were verified,and seepage force was critical to parameterization.The threshold starting shear stress was reduced by 54.6%after increasing the seepage force.The physical mechanism of this process corresponded to the vertical reciprocating transient seepage in and out the seabed interface caused by the wave-induced transient excess pore water pressure.This quantitative study on seepage flow for shear stress of coarse-grained sediments induced by ISWs is critical to geohazard assessment.

Influence of underground water seepage flow on surrounding rock deformation of multi-arch tunnel

Based on a typical multi-arch tunnel in a freeway, the fast Lagrangian analysis of continua in 3 dimensions(FLAC3D) was used to calculate the surrounding rock deformation of the tunnel under which the effect of underground water seepage flow was taken into account or not. The distribution of displacement field around the multi-arch tunnel, which is influenced by the seepage field, was gained. The result indicates that the settlement values of the vault derived from coupling analysis are bigger when considering the seepage flow effect than that not considering. Through the contrast of arch subsidence quantities calculated by two kinds of computation situations, and the comparison between the calculated and measured value of tunnel vault settlement, it is found that the calculated value(5.7-6.0 mm) derived from considering the seepage effect is more close to the measured value(5.8-6.8 mm). Therefore, it is quite necessary to consider the seepage flow effect of the underground water in aquiferous stratum for multi-arch tunnel design.

Numerical simulation of seepage flow field in groundwater source heat pump system and its influence on temperature field

Energy utilization in the aquifers is a new technology closely related to development of heat pump technique. It is significant for the flow distribution to be predicted in the aquifer surrounding the Groundwater Source Heat Pump System （GSHPS）. The authors presented a new concept of ＂flow transfixion＂ by analyzing general features of aquifers, and then discussed interaction of the flow transfixion with the beat transfixion, which has practical significance to projects. A numerical model of groundwater flow was established based on the basic tenets of water-heat transferring in the aquifer. On this basis the flow field and the temperature field of GSHPS for a site in Shenyang City were numerically simulated. The basis of the flow transfixion was obtained; it was discussed for the influence of the flow transfixion on the heat transfixion. To a certain extent, the study offers some reference for the projects＇ design of GSHP in the studied area.

THE ANALYTIC RESOLUTIONS AND APPLICATIONS OF THE NON－LINEAR SEEPAGE FLOW EQUATIONS OF COAL INFUSION

hi this paper. the author uses the theory of fluid mechanics. dynamics of fluids in Porous media. gas seepage flow in coal seams and combines the tests in the laboratory with the actual coal infusion to have an investigating and study from the theory to the mechanism of coal infusion to wet coal seams. through the analysis to the process of coal infusion the author builds up the mathematical models and has a detailed discussion to the boundary conditions of coal infusion. Because the equation sets to describe coal infusion are non-linear. we have made a simplification to them to use the dimension analysis theory by leading into the non-dimensions of water pressure of coal infusion, seepage flow rate. increment of coal seam moisture and so on Besides the analytic and approximate solutions have also been discussed. At last. we use the scientific research item of the actual coal infusion to illustrate the effects and importance of the theory to direct actual coal infusion and its designs.

Influence of permeability anisotropy of seepage flow on the tunnel face stability

This paper focuses on the influence of permeability anisotropy of seepage flow on the face stability for a shied tunnel.An analytical model has been proposed to present the hydraulic head distribution around the tunnel face in the anisotropic ground,considering the difference of permeability coefficient in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.The rationality of the proposed model is ver-ified by a series of numerical simulations.Then,an analytical model of face stability for a tunnel under the anisotropic seepage has been established based on the limit analysis upper bound method.Comparisons of the analytical solutions and the numerical simulations are conducted,and the limit support pressure of the two methods is consistent.The effect of permeability anisotropy and water pressure on the stability of the tunnel face is analyzed through the three-dimensional analytical solution.Anisotropy of permeability has a significant impact on the stability of the tunnel face,and its impact gradually decreases.It can also be found that the water pressure coefficient of the tunnel face has a significant effect on the limit support pressure and the failure area when the ratio of the horizontal permeability to the vertical permeability is large.

ANALYSIS OF SEEPAGE FLOW IN A CONFINED AQUIFER WITH A STANDING COLUMN WELL

The standing column well for ground source heat pump systems is a promising technology with high efficiency and environmental benefit, where groundwater is drawn from the bottom of a well and then re-injected to its top after transferring heat with heat pumps. Heat transfer analysis of great significance and aquifer involves complex problems. Determining the groundwater seepage flow is a precondition to solve the energy equation describing the heat transfer of the system. Only when piezometric head is obtained, the seepage velocity can be determined according to Darcy＇s law. In this article the groundwater seepage flow in an axial symmetrical geometry was studied under the assumption that gross groundwater flow is neglected. An analytical solution of the groundwater seepage flow for a confined aquifer was acquired by using the integral transform method, which may provide a foundation for heat transfer analysis of the standing column well system.

MRT-LBM-based numerical simulation of seepage flow through fractal fracture networks

The study on seepage flow passing through single fractures is essential and critical for understanding of the law of seepage flow passing through fracture networks and the coupling mechanisms of seepage field and stress field in rock masses.By using the fractal interpolation to reconstruct a natural coarse fracture,as well as taking into account the microstructure of the fracture,the numerical simulation of seepage flow passing through the coarse fractures with two distinct vertical scaling factors is conducted based on the MRT-LBM model of the lattice Boltzmann method.Then,after obtaining the length of the preferential flow pathway,the permeability of the two kinds of fractures is estimated respectively.In view of difficulties in locating the preferential flow pathway of natural fracture networks,by numerical tests a transect permeability weighted algorithm for estimating the fracture network permeability is proposed.The algorithm is not specific to one or more particular preferential flow pathways,but considers the contribution of each section to hinder the fluid passing through the medium.In order to apply the new algorithm,by capturing the structure of fracture networks based on the image-processing technique,the numerical simulations of seepage flow passing through two groups of natural fracture networks is carried out,the permeability is forecasted and the partial flows are reproduced for both cases.It is found that the preferential flow pathway emerges at the beginning of evolution,then is strengthened subsequently,and finally reaches a steady status.Furthermore,by using the proposed method some details on local flow can be clearly observed such as backflows and vortices at local branches can exist simultaneously and so forth,suggesting the validness of the proposed method for multiscale simulations of seepage flow.

A new variational inequality formulation for unconfined seepage flow through fracture networks

Darcy's law only applying to the flow domain is extended to the entire fracture network domain including the dry domain.The partial differential equation(PDE) formulation for unconfined seepage flow problems for discrete fracture network is established,in which a boundary condition of Signorini's type is prescribed over the potential seepage surfaces.In order to reduce the difficulty in selecting trial functions,a new variational inequality formulation is presented and mathematically proved to be equivalent to the PDE formulation.The numerical procedure based on the VI formulation is proposed and the corresponding algorithm has been developed.Since a continuous penalized Heaviside function is introduced to replace a jump function in finite element analysis,oscillation of numerical integration for facture elements cut by the free surface is eliminated and stability of numerical solution is assured.The numerical results from two typical examples demonstrate,on the one hand the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method,and on the other hand the capability of predicting main seepage pathways in fractured rocks and flow rates out of the drainage system,which is very important for performance assessments and design optimization of complex drainage system.

AN UNSTEADY SEEPAGE FLOW MODEL OF VISCO-ELASTIC POLYMER SOLUTION

With the consideration of the visco―elasticity, the adsorption effect andthe variation of rheological parameters, a seepage flow model of visco-elastic polymer solutions wasestablished. The model was numerically treated with the finite difference method. Then curves ofBottom Hole Pressure (BHP) and formation pressure were drawn. The influences of the relaxation time,the injection rate, the permeability reduction coefficient, the consistency coefficient and thepower-law exponent of the injected fluid on pressure performance were analyzed. This study showsthat it is necessary to consider the visco-elasticity of non-Newtonian fluid in analyzing ofpressure performance in the polymer flooding.

COMPOSITE ELEMENT MODEL FOR ROCK MASS SEEPAGE FLOW

In this paper, the algorithm developed on the concept of the Composite Element Method （CEM） is proposed for the seepage flow in discontinuous rock masses, The basic idea is that if an element contains one or more discontinuity segments, it will be denoted as a composite element having a set of hydraulic potential values defined at its nodes. By the variation principle, the governing equation can be established to solve the unknown hydraulic potential values at the composite element nodes. The main advantage of the proposed model is that the generation of calculation mesh will not be restricted strongly by the number, the position and the orientation of the discontinuities, A numerical example is presented at the end of the paper, to show the validity of the proposed model.

COUPLING EFFECT OF SEEPAGE FLOW AND RIVER FLOW ON THE BANK FAILURE

On the basis of the generalized physical model of the riverbank, the experiments were conducted to study the mechanisms of riverbank failure under the coupling effect of seepage flow and river flow. The experimental setup was specially designed, as well as test point location, parameters and procedures, and the main influencing factors were analyzed affecting riverbank failure based on the failure types, the variations of pore water pressure and soil displacement. The results indicated that the coupling effect has different influences on the bank failure in three aspects： the failure type, the process and the extent. In addition, the river flow played a more important role than the seepage flow in the coupling effect on the bank failure.

Numerical simulations of seepage flow in rough single rock fractures

To investigate the relationship between the structural characteristics and seepage flow behavior of rough single rock fractures,a set of single fracture physical models were produced using the WeierstrasseMandelbrot functions to test the seepage flow performance.Six single fractures,with various surface roughnesses characterized by fractal dimensions,were built using COMSOL multiphysics software.The fluid flow behavior through the rough fractures and the influences of the rough surfaces on the fluid flow behavior was then monitored.The numerical simulation indicates that there is a linear relationship between the average flow velocity over the entire flow path and the fractal dimension of the rough surface.It is shown that there is good agreement between the numerical results and the experimental data in terms of the properties a of the fluid flowing through the rough single rock fractures.

RESEARCH ON IMPROVED CUT-OFF NEGATIVE PRESSURE METHOD FOR UNSTEADY SEEPAGE FLOW WITH FREE SURFACE

The cut-off negative pressure method is one of effective approaches to solve the seepage flow with free surface. According to the characteristics of this method, however, it has been found out that the deficiency of the algorithms is to easily cause inaccurate simulation in the vicinity of free surface owing to the penalty function with only one controlling penalty parameter. Therefore, an improved cut-off pressure method was presented by constructing penalty function with two controlling penalty parameters. The improved algorithms were illustrated to be able to improve the simulation accuracy and raise the convergence speed through considering the effects of the partially saturated or unsaturated elements more reasonably and calculating the nodal external forces more accurately. Finally, the improved cut-off negative pressure method was applied to the simulation of unsteady seepage flow with free surface, and the corresponding program codes were developed with validation of some cases.

Numerical Simulation of Oil and Gas Two-Phase Flow in Deep Condensate Gas Reservoirs in Bohai Buried Hills

The BZ19-6 gas field is characterized by high temperature and high pressure (HTHP), high condensate content, little difference between the formation pressure and dew point pressure, and large amount of reverse condensate liquid. During the early stage of depletion development, the production gas-oil ratio (GOR) and production capacity remain relatively stable, which is inconsistent with the conventional reverse condensate seepage law. In view of the static and dynamic conflict in development and production, indoor high-temperature and high-pressure PVT experiment was carried out to reveal the mist-like condensation phenomenon of fluids in the BZ19-6 formation. And the seepage characteristics of condensate gas reservoirs with various degrees of depletion under the condition of HTHP were analyzed based on production performance. The change rule of fluid phase state was analyzed in response to the characterization difficulties of the seepage mechanism. The fluid state was described using the miscible mechanism. And the interphase permeability interpolation coefficient was introduced based on interfacial tension. By doing so, the accurate characterization of the “single-phase flow of condensate gas-near-miscible mist-like quasi single-phase flow-oil-gas two-phase flow” during the development process was achieved. Then the accurate fitting of key indicators for oilfield development was completed, and the distribution law of formation pressure and the law of condensate oil precipitation under different reservoir conditions are obtained. Based on research results, the regulation strategy of variable flow rate production was developed. Currently, the work system has been optimized for 11 wells, achieving a “zero increase” in the GOS of the gas field and an annual oil increase of 22,000 cubic meters.

A well test analysis model of generalized tube flow and seepage coupling

"Generalized mobility"is used to realize the unification of tube flow and seepage in form and the unification of commonly used linear and nonlinear flow laws in form,which makes it possible to use the same form of motion equations to construct unified governing equations for reservoirs of different scales in different regions.Firstly,by defining the generalized mobility under different flow conditions,the basic equation governing fluid flow in reservoir coupling generalized tube flow and seepage is established.Secondly,two typical well test analysis models for coupling tube flow and seepage flow are given,namely,pipe-shaped composite reservoir model and partially open cylindrical reservoir model.The log-log pressure draw-down type-curve of composite pipe-shaped reservoir model can show characteristics of two sets of linear flow.The log-log pressure drawdown plot of partially opened cylindrical reservoir model can show the characteristics of spherical flow and linear flow,as well as spherical flow and radial flow.The pressure build-up derivative curves of the two models basically coincide with their respective pressure drawdown derivative curves in the early stage,pulling down features in the late stage,and the shorter the production time is,the earlier the pulling down feature appears.Finally,the practicability and reliability of the models presented in this paper are verified by three application examples.

Experimental study on the flow behaviour of water-sand mixtures in fractured rock specimens

The study of flow behaviour of water-sand mixtures in fractured rocks is of great necessity to understand the producing mechanism and prevention of water inrush and sand gushing accidents.A self-developed seepage test system is used in this paper to conduct laboratory experiments in order to study the influence of the particle size distribution,the void ratio,and the initial mass of Aeolian sand on the flow behavior.It is concluded that the water flow velocity is insensitive to the initial mass of the Aeolian sand but increases with the power exponent in the Talbot formula and the specimen height.The outflow of the Aeolian sand increases with the power exponent in the Talbot formula,the specimen height,and the initial mass of the Aeolian sand.Besides,the outflow of the Aeolian sand changes exponentially with the water flow velocity.Finally,it is found that the fractured specimen has a maximum sand filtration capacity beyond which the outflow of the Aeolian sand significantly increases with the initial mass of the Aeolian sand.

A new classification of seepage control mechanisms in geotechnical engineering

Seepage flow through soils,rocks and geotechnical structures has a great influence on their stabilities and performances,and seepage control is a critical technological issue in engineering practices.The physical mechanisms associated with various engineering measures for seepage control are investigated from a new perspective within the framework of continuum mechanics;and an equation-based classification of seepage control mechanisms is proposed according to their roles in the mathematical models for seepage flow,including control mechanisms by coupled processes,initial states,boundary conditions and hydraulic properties.The effects of each mechanism on seepage control are illustrated with examples in hydroelectric engineering and radioactive waste disposal,and hence the reasonability of classification is demonstrated.Advice on performance assessment and optimization design of the seepage control systems in geotechnical engineering is provided,and the suggested procedure would serve as a useful guidance for cost-effective control of seepage flow in various engineering practices.

Analysis and evaluation on seepage stability of Hongxing reservoir dam,Heilongjiang

Hongxing reservoir was constructed on the floodplain of Hulan River in Heilongjiang. The geological problem of the reservoir is the seepage of the dam base and its related seepage stability. The leakage of the reservoir is caused by the water head differences between the upstream and downstream of the dam. Severe seepage could decrease the engineering benefits of the reservoir. Moreover,infiltration function of water will influence the safety of the dam. Through the analysis on the granule constitute and the formation of the dam base,the types of the seepage failure apt to happen were defined and the anti-infiltration and the permissible depression ratio were determined. Using the numerical simulation software GMS,the two-dimension numerical modeling has been carried out to analyze the seepage field of the reservoir. Through the two conditions modeling with concrete impervious wall and no concrete impervious wall,the largest flow rate,single-wide seepage discharge and the max infiltration gradient of the dam base were calculated. According to the permeable depression ratio of the dam base,the seepage stability of Hongxing reservoir dam base was analyzed.

Coupled effect of cement hydration and temperature on hydraulic behavior of cemented tailings backfill

Cemented tailings backfill(CTB) is made by mixing cement, tailings and water together, thus cement hydration and water seepage flow are the two crucial factors affecting the quality of CTB. Cement hydration process can release significant amount of heat to raise the temperature of CTB and in turn increase the rate of cement hydration. Meanwhile, the progress of cement hydration consumes water and produces hydration products to change the pore structures within CTB, which further influences the hydraulic behavior of CTB. In order to understand the hydraulic behavior of CTB, a numerical model was developed by coupling the hydraulic,thermal and hydration equations. This model was then implemented into COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate the evolutions of temperature and water seepage flow within CTB versus curing time. The predicted outcomes were compared with correspondent experimental results, proving the validity and availability of this model. By taking advantage of the validated model, effects of various initial CTB and curing temperatures, cement content, and CTB's geometric shapes on the hydraulic behavior of CTB were demonstrated numerically. The presented conclusions can contribute to preparing more environmentally friendly CTB structures.

Wave flume experiments on the contribution of seabed fluidization to sediment resuspension

Sediment resuspension is commonly assumed to be eroded from the seabed surface by an excess bottom shear stress and evolves in layers from the top down. Although considerable investigations have argued the importance of wave-induced seabed fluidization in affecting the sediment resuspension, few studies have been able to reliably evaluate its quantitative contribution till now. Attempt is made to preliminarily quantify the contribution of fluidization to resuspension using a series of large-scale wave flume experiments. The experimental results indicated that fluidization of the sandy silts of the Huanghe Delta account for 52.5% and 66.8% of the total resuspension under model scales of 4/20 and 6/20（i.e., relative water depth： the ratio of wave height to water depth）, respectively. Some previously reported results obtained using the same flume and sediments are also summarized for a contrastive analysis, through which not only the positive correlation is confirmed, but also a parametric equation for depicting the relationship between the contribution of fluidization and the model scale is established. Finally, the contribution of fluidization is attributed to two physical mechanisms：（1） an attenuation of the erosion resistance of fluidized sediments in surface layers due to the disappearing of original cohesion and the uplifting effect resulting from upward seepage flows, and（2） seepage pumping of fines from the interior to the surface of fluidized seabed.