Mechanisms of fracture roughness effects on flow-dissolution processes
HU Ran1, 2, JIANG Qiurong1, 2, ZHOU Chenxing1, 2*, LI Kai1, 2, YANG Zhibing1, 2, CHEN Yifeng1, 2
(1. State Key Laboratory of Water Resources Engineering and Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China;
2. Key Laboratory of Rock Mechanics in Hydraulic Structural Engineering of the Ministry of Education,
Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China)
Abstract：Fluid flow and dissolution in fractured rock widely occur in natural and engineering settings, such as karst development, long-term seepage control of dam foundations, and efficient oil and gas production. As an intrinsic property of fractures, roughness plays a key role in dissolution dynamics, yet its influence mechanism remains insufficiently understood. In this study, a Darcy-scale flow-dissolution numerical model based on the depth-averaging method is developed, and a series of laboratory experiments on flow and dissolution in rough salt-rock fractures are conducted to validate the accuracy and reliability of the simulations. On this basis, the evolution of dissolution patterns, permeability, breakthrough time of dissolution channels, and optimal injection rate is systematically investigated under different fracture roughness and flow rates. The results show that, with increasing flow rate, the dissolution pattern evolves sequentially from compact dissolution to wormhole and then to uniform dissolution, and the corresponding relationships between permeability and fracture aperture exhibit sub-cubic, super-cubic, and cubic trends, respectively. At a given flow rate, increasing fracture roughness enhances local flow heterogeneity, leading to the coexistence of high-velocity channels and low-velocity stagnant zones, which promotes preferential growth of dissolution channels, accelerates wormhole formation and breakthrough, and thus shortens the channel breakthrough time. However, once roughness exceeds a certain threshold, pronounced flow bifurcation and dispersion occur near the wormhole tip, weakening the positive feedback between flow and dissolution and causing the breakthrough time to level off. Further analysis indicates that larger roughness requires higher injection rates to maintain the coupled positive feedback between flow and dissolution and to sustain a typical wormhole, implying that the optimal injection rate increases with roughness. This study elucidates how fracture roughness regulates flow heterogeneity and flow–dissolution feedback to govern channel formation, breakthrough, and optimal injection rate. The findings provide important guidance for predicting early-time leakage in dissolution-driven seepage evolution and for determining optimal injection rates in acidizing stimulation engineering.
[1] JOURDE H，WANG X. Advances，challenges and perspective in modelling the functioning of karst systems：a review[J]. Environmental Earth Sciences，2023，2(17)：396.
[2] 袁晶晶，陈益峰，胡 冉，等. 岩溶地区高面板坝渗流特性与防渗安全评价[J]. 岩石力学与工程学报，2024，43(2)：481–494.(YUAN Jingjing，CHEN Yifeng，HU Ran，et al. Seepage characteristics and anti-seepage safety evaluation of high concrete face rockfill dams in karst areas[J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering，2024，43(2)：481–494.(in Chinese))
[3] 李金龙，刘继芹，李庆东，等. 盐岩储库水溶建腔机理与模拟方法研究进展[J]. 隧道与地下工程灾害防治，2020，2(4)：1–8.(LI Jinlong，LIU Jiqin，LI Qingdong，et al. Research progress on solution mining mechanisms and simulation methods for salt rock storage caverns[J]. Tunnel and Underground Engineering Disaster Prevention，2020，2(4)：1–8.(in Chinese))
[4] 杨春和，贺 涛，王同涛. 层状盐岩地层油气储库建造技术研发进展[J]. 油气储运，2022，41(6)：614–624.(YANG Chunhe，HE Tao，WANG Tongtao. Research and development progress of construction technologies for oil and gas reservoirs in bedded salt formations[J]. Oil and Gas Storage and Transportation，2022，41(6)：614–624.(in Chinese))
[5] 陈 涛，施锡林，李金龙，等. 盐穴储气库水平井造腔模拟试验[J]. 油气储运，2019，38(11)：1 257–1 264.(CHEN Tao，SHI Xilin，LI Jinlong，et al. Simulation experiments of cavern leaching via horizontal wells for gas storage[J]. Oil and Gas Storage and Transportation，2019，38(11)：1 257–1 264.(in Chinese))
[6] CAO X，LI Q，XU L，et al. Experiments of CO?-basalt-fluid interactions and micromechanical alterations：implications for carbon mineralization[J]. Energy and Fuels，2024，38(7)：6 205–6 214.
[7] 刘思楠，张力为，苏学斌，等. 二氧化碳咸水层封存条件矿物溶解与沉淀化学反应建模与参数取值综述[J]. 水利水电技术，2020，51(11)：13–22.(LIU Sinan，ZHANG Liwei，SU Xuebin，et al. Review of mineral dissolution and precipitation reaction modeling and parameter selection under CO? saline aquifer storage conditions[J]. Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering，2020，51(11)：13–22.(in Chinese))
[8] DENG H，SPYCHER N. Modeling reactive transport processes in fractures[J]. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry，2019，85(1)：49–74.
[9] 周晨星，胡 冉，陈益峰，等. 基于岩石微流控芯片的渗流–溶蚀可视化实验与溶蚀速率表征[J]. 岩石力学与工程学报，2025，44(9)：2 321–2 333.(ZHOU Chenxing，HU Ran，CHEN Yifeng，et al. Flow-visualization experiment and characterization of dissolution rates in soluble rock-based microfluidics[J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering，2025，44(9)：2 321–2 333.(in Chinese))
[10] WANG T，HU R，YANG Z，et al. Transitions of dissolution patterns in rough fractures[J]. Water Resources Research，2022，58(1)：e2021WR030456.
[11] ?UKOWSKI S，CORNELISSEN A J M，OSSELIN F，et al. Breakthrough-induced loop formation in evolving transport networks[J]. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences，2024，121(29)：e2401200121.
[12] LADD A J C，SZYMCZAK P. Reactive flows in porous media：challenges in theoretical and numerical methods[J]. Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering，2021，12(1)：543–571.
[13] MOLINS S，TREBOTICH D，ARORA B，et al. Multi-scale model of reactive transport in fractured media：diffusion limitations on rates[J]. Transport in Porous Media，2019，128(2)：701–721.
[14] DETWILER R L，GLASS R J，BOURCIER W L. Experimental observations of fracture dissolution：the role of Peclet number on evolving aperture variability[J]. Geophysical Research Letters，2003，30(12)：1 648.
[15] SZYMCZAK P，LADD A J C. Wormhole formation in dissolving fractures[J]. Journal of Geophysical Research，2009，114(B6)：B06203.
[16] STARCHENKO V，LADD A J C. The development of wormholes in laboratory-scale fractures：perspectives from three-dimensional simulations[J]. Water Resources Research，2018，54(10)：7 946–7 959.
[17] LI K，HU R，YANG Z，et al. On the interplay between fracture sealing and opening in a flow-stress-dissolution system[J]. Water Resources Research，2025，61(10)：e2024WR039422.
[18] WANG X，ALIOUACHE M，WANG Y，et al. The role of aperture heterogeneity in incipient karst evolution in natural fracture networks：insights from numerical simulations[J]. Advances in Water Resources，2021，156：104036.
[19] HU R，ZHOU C，WU D，et al. Roughness control on multiphase flow in rock fractures[J]. Geophysical Research Letters，2019，46(21)：12 002–12 011.
[20] ZHOU J，GUO L，JIAO J J，et al. Geometry-based prediction of solute transport process in single 3D rock fractures under laminar flow regime[J]. Journal of Geophysical Research：Solid Earth，2023，128(3)：e2022JB025542.
[21] 王志良，申林方，徐则民，等. 岩体裂隙面粗糙度对其渗流特性的影响研究[J]. 岩土工程学报，2016，38(7)：1 262–1 268.(WANG Zhiliang，SHEN Linfang，XU Zemin，et al. Influence of fracture surface roughness on seepage characteristics of rock mass[J]. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering，2016，38(7)：1 262–1 268.(in Chinese))
[22] 甘 磊，刘 玉，张宗亮，等. 岩体裂隙粗糙度表征及其对裂隙渗流特性的影响[J]. 岩土力学，2023，44(6)：1 585–1 592.(GAN Lei，LIU Yu，ZHANG Zongliang，et al. Characterization of rock fracture roughness and its influence on fracture seepage characteristics[J]. Rock and Soil Mechanics，2023，44(6)：1 585–1 592.(in Chinese))
[23] BOUTT D F，GRASSELLI G，FREDRICH J T，et al. Trapping zones：the effect of fracture roughness on the directional anisotropy of fluid flow and colloid transport in a single fracture[J]. Geophysical Research Letters，2006，33(21)：L21402.
[24] 李三奇，叶祖洋，胡英涛，等. 岩体粗糙裂隙几何特征对其溶质运移特性的影响[J]. 水动力学研究与进展A辑，2023，38(1)：88–96.(LI Sanqi，YE Zuyang，HU Yingtao，et al. Effect of rough fracture geometry of rock mass on solute transport characteristics[J]. Journal of Hydrodynamics，A，2023，38(1)：88–96.(in Chinese))
[25] 田 霄，叶祖洋，罗 旺. 岩体裂隙几何结构对其渗流传热特性的影响[J]. 岩土力学，2023，44(12)：3 512–3 521.(TIAN Xiao，YE Zuyang，LUO Wang. Influence of fracture geometry on coupled seepage and heat transfer characteristics of rock mass[J]. Rock and Soil Mechanics，2023，44(12)：3 512–3 521.(in Chinese))
[26] SOUCEY C，SUTTON C，YANG W，et al. Deciphering solute and reactive transport in triple porosity systems：etched rock core experiments and numerical modeling[J]. Environmental Science and Technology，2025，59(29)：15 364–15 374.
[27] HU R，WANG T，YANG Z，et al. Dissolution hotspots in fractures[J]. Geophysical Research Letters，2021，48(20)：e2021GL094118.
[28] 王 婷，王子龙，李炎隆，等. 粗糙裂隙渗流–溶蚀耦合过程可视化试验及渗透性演化规律研究[J]. 岩土工程学报，2024，47(8)：1 662–1 671.(WANG Ting，WANG Zilong，LI Yanlong，et al. Visualization experiments on coupled seepage-dissolution in rough fractures and evolution of permeability[J]. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering，2024，47(8)：1 662–1 671.(in Chinese))
[29] WANG T，HU R，YANG Z，et al. Reactive-infiltration instability in a Hele-Shaw cell influenced by initial aperture and flow rate[J]. Physical Review Fluids，2023，8(4)：043901.
[30] LING B，SODWATANA M，KOHLI A，et al. Probing multiscale dissolution dynamics in natural rocks through microfluidics and compositional analysis[J]. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences，2022，119(32)：e2122520119.
[31] ZHOU C X，HU R，LI H W，et al. Pore-scale visualization and quantification of dissolution in microfluidic rough channels[J]. Water Resources Research，2022，58(11)：e2022WR032255.
[32] 何 想，马国梁，汪 杨，等. 基于微流控芯片技术的微生物加固可视化研究[J]. 岩土工程学报，2020，42(6)：1 005–1 012.(HE Xiang，MA Guoliang，WANG Yang，et al. Visualization study of microbial reinforcement based on microfluidic chip technology[J]. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering，2020，42(6)：1 005–1 012.(in Chinese))
[33] 张瑾璇，刘汉龙，肖 杨. 液滴微流控芯片系统研发与微生物矿化机理研究[J]. 岩土工程学报，2024，46(6)：1 236–1 245.(ZHANG Jinxuan，LIU Hanlong，XIAO Yang. Development of droplet microfluidic chip system and study on microbial mineralization mechanisms[J]. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering，2024，46(6)：1 236–1 245.(in Chinese))
[34] DENG H，FITTS J P，TAPPERO R V，et al. Acid erosion of carbonate fractures and accessibility of arsenic-bearing minerals：in operando synchrotron-based microfluidic experiment[J]. Environmental Science and Technology，2020，54(19)：12 502–12 510.
[35] ZHANG L，CHEN L，HU R，et al. Subsurface multiphase reactive flow in geologic CO? storage：key impact factors and characterization approaches[J]. Advances in Geo-Energy Research，2022，6(3)：179–180.
[36] 甘满光，缪秀秀，张力为，等. CT扫描技术在二氧化碳地质利用与封存领域的应用研究综述[J]. 水利水电技术，2019，50(8)：174–184.(GAN Manguang，MIAO Xiuxiu，ZHANG Liwei，et al. Review of CT scanning applications in geological utilization and storage of CO?[J]. Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering，2019，50(8)：174–184.(in Chinese))
[37] MOLINS S，SOULAINE C，PRASIANAKIS N I，et al. Simulation of mineral dissolution at the pore scale with evolving fluid-solid interfaces：review of approaches and benchmark problem set[J]. Computational Geosciences，2021，25(4)：1 285–1 318.
[38] LI S，KANG Z，FENG X T，et al. Three-dimensional hydrochemical model for dissolutional growth of fractures in karst aquifers[J]. Water Resources Research，2020，56(3)：e2019WR025631.
[39] DETWILER R L，RAJARAM H. Predicting dissolution patterns in variable aperture fractures：evaluation of an enhanced depth-averaged computational model[J]. Water Resources Research，2007，43(4)：W04403.
[40] UPADHYAY V K，SZYMCZAK P，LADD A J C. Initial conditions or emergence：what determines dissolution patterns in rough fractures?[J]. Journal of Geophysical Research：Solid Earth，2015，120(9)：6 102–6 121.
[41] HANNA R B，RAJARAM H. Influence of aperture variability on dissolutional growth of fissures in karst formations[J]. Water Resources Research，1998，34(11)：2 843–2 853.
[42] RODED R，AHARONOV E，HOLTZMAN R，et al. Reactive flow and homogenization in anisotropic media[J]. Water Resources Research，2020，56(12)：e2020WR027518.
[43] ALKATTAN M，OELKERS E H，DANDURAND J L，et al. Experimental studies of halite dissolution kinetics，1：the effect of saturation state and the presence of trace metals[J]. Chemical Geology，1997，137(3/4)：201–219.
[44] 毛昶熙. 渗流计算分析与控制[M]. 第2版. 北京：中国水利水电出版社，2003：48–51.(MAO Changxi. Seepage computation analysis and control[M]. 2nd ed. Beijing：China Water and Power Press，2003：48–51.(in Chinese))
[45] WANG L，CARDENAS M B. Linear permeability evolution of expanding conduits due to feedback between flow and fast phase change[J]. Geophysical Research Letters，2017，44(9)：4 116–4 123.
[46] XIE H，WANG J A，KWA?NIEWSKI M A. Multifractal characterization of rock fracture surfaces[J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences，1999，36(1)：19–27.
[47] ZIMMERMAN R W，PALUSZNY A. Fluid flow in fractured rocks[M]. New York：John Wiley and Sons，Ltd.，2024：28–32.
[48] BROWN S R. Simple mathematical model of a rough fracture[J]. Journal of Geophysical Research：Solid Earth，1995，100(B4)：5 941–5 952.
[49] YANG Z，NEUWEILER I，MÉHEUST Y，et al. Fluid trapping during capillary displacement in fractures[J]. Advances in Water Resources，2016，95：264–275.
[50] 王 敏. 岩土介质渗流与传热特性的宏细观机理研究[博士学位论文][D]. 武汉：武汉大学，2017.(WANG Min. Macro-micro mechanisms of seepage and heat transfer in geomaterials[Ph. D. Thesis][D]. Wuhan：Wuhan University，2017.(in Chinese))
[51] AURADOU H，DRAZER G，HULIN J P，et al. Permeability anisotropy induced by the shear displacement of rough fracture walls[J]. Water Resources Research，2005，41(9)：W09423.
[52] SUN Z，ZOU L，WANG L，et al. Anisotropy of non-Darcian flow in rock fractures subjected to cyclic shearing[J]. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering，2025，17(10)：6 373–6 387.
[53] 姚仰平，陈 伟，陈 含. 马氏瓶回流原理分析[J]. 力学与实践，2020，42(1)：22–27. (YAO Yangping，CHEN Wei，CHEN Han. Analysis of the reflux principle of Mariotte bottle[J]. Mechanics in Engineering，2020，42(1)：22–27.(in Chinese))
[54] AMELI P，ELKHOURY J E，DETWILER R L. High-resolution fracture aperture mapping using optical profilometry[J]. Water Resources Research，2013，49(10)：7 126–7 132.
[55] CHEUNG W，RAJARAM H. Dissolution finger growth in variable aperture fractures：role of the tip-region flow field[J]. Geophysical Research Letters，2002，29(22)：2 075.
[56] 葛鑫博，李银平，李金龙，等. 盐穴储库水溶造腔夹层垮塌块体下落性态及应用[J]. 岩石力学与工程学报，2023，42(4)：918–929.(GE Xinbo，LI Yinping，LI Jinlong，et al. Falling behavior and application of interlayer-collapse-formed blocks during solution mining in salt cavern storages[J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering，2023，42(4)：918–929.(in Chinese))
[57] ZHOU C X，HU R，DENG H，et al. Real-rock microfluidic platform for quantifying chemical dissolution and mechanical erosion in a multiphase environment[J]. Lab on a Chip，2025，25(24)：6 618–6 634.
2026, Vol. 45 
