Slip Backflow of Polymers in Elastic Fractures for Subsurface Heat Recovery

Alessandro Lenci, Farhad Zeighami, Irene Daprà and Vittorio Di Federico ()
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Alessandro Lenci: Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Farhad Zeighami: Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Irene Daprà: Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Vittorio Di Federico: Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40138 Bologna, Italy

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-14

Abstract: This research delves into the complexities of backflow phenomena in finite-length and flat-walled fractures with elastic walls, specifically focusing on power-law fluids, whose shear-thinning behavior distinguishes them from Newtonian fluids. We model the backflow process under the lubrication approximation and by incorporating the linear Navier slip law. We numerically examine the influence of parameters such as slip length, fluid rheology, and external pressure on the backflow propagation of the carrier fluid. Our findings underscore the significant role played by the rheological index in determining the fracture closure rate. Additionally, our investigations highlight the marked effect of external pressure variations on pressure distribution within the fracture. Notably, the friction coefficient at the fracture walls, as denoted by a dimensionless slip number, exhibits limited influence on the fundamental dynamics of the problem. These insights advance our understanding of power-law fluid backflow and have wide-ranging applications across various engineering disciplines.

Keywords: elastic fracture; backflow; power-law fluid; Navier slip law; Winkler foundation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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