Scale dependence of the effective matrix diffusion coefficient:some analytical results

Journal Article · Mon May 30 00:00:00 EDT 2005 · Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

OSTI ID:920342

Liu, H H; Zhang, Y Q; Molz, F J

Matrix diffusion is an important process affecting solutetransport in fractured rock, and the matrix diffusion coefficient is akey parameter for describing this process. Previous studies haveindicated that the effective matrix-diffusion coefficient values,obtained from a number of field tracer tests, are enhanced in comparisonwith local values and may increase with test scale. In thiscommunication, we develop analytical expressions for the effective matrixdiffusion coefficient for two simple fracture-matrix systems, anddemonstrate that heterogeneities in the rock matrix at different scalescontribute to the scale dependence of the effective matrix diffusioncoefficient.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE. Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management.Waste Management System
• DOE Contract Number: DE-AC02-05CH11231
• OSTI ID: 920342
• Report Number(s): LBNL-60746; JCOHE6; R&D Project: G60731; BnR: DF0961000; TRN: US200818%%1144
• Journal Information: Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, Vol. 90, Issue 1-2; Related Information: Journal Publication Date: 02/20/2007; ISSN 0169-7722
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DIFFUSION
SOLUTES
TRANSPORT