The fractal menger sponge and Sierpinski carpet as models for reservoir rock/pore systems: I. ; Theory and image analysis of Sierpinski carpets

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992 · In Situ; (United States)

OSTI ID:6883693

Garrison, Jr, J R; Pearn, W C; von Rosenberg, D W ^[1]

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1. Mobil Exploration and Producing Services, Inc., Dallas, TX (United States)

In this paper reservoir rock/pore systems are considered natural fractal objects and modeled as and compared to the regular fractal Menger Sponge and Sierpinski Carpet. The physical properties of a porous rock are, in part, controlled by the geometry of the pore system. The rate at which a fluid or electrical current can travel through the pore system of a rock is controlled by the path along which it must travel. This path is a subset of the overall geometry of the pore system. Reservoir rocks exhibit self-similarity over a range of length scales suggesting that fractal geometry offers a means of characterizing these complex objects. The overall geometry of a rock/pore system can be described, conveniently and concisely, in terms of effective fractal dimensions. The rock/pore system is modeled as the fractal Menger Sponge. A cross section through the rock/pore system, such as an image of a thin-section of a rock, is modeled as the fractal Sierpinski Carpet, which is equivalent to the face of the Menger Sponge.

• OSTI ID: 6883693
• Journal Information: In Situ; (United States), Journal Name: In Situ; (United States) Vol. 16:4; ISSN 0019-3267; ISSN ISOMDJ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
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RESERVOIR ROCK