Discrete Dilatant Pathway Modeling of Gas Migration Through Compacted Bentonite Clay

A coupled multiphase fluid flow and discrete fracturing model is applied to simulate bench-scale gas migration experiments on compacted bentonite. The numerical modeling based the linking of simulator TOUGH2 with a Rigid-Body-Spring Network model, which enables (lattice) representation elasticity individual fractures. evolution complex network dilatant paths modeled through opening breakage lattice interface bonds between porous-elastic matrix elements. To achieve good match experimental results, including an abrupt breakthrough along pressure stress responses, it was necessary calibrate parameters for (1) air-entry pressure, (2) shear tensile failure bonds, (3) moisture swelling/shrinkage effects stress, (4) aperture-dependent permeability paths. Our best-fit conceptual considers pervasive propagating from injection point, whereas some data indicate potential heterogeneous unstable