Publications Details

Effect of material heterogeneities on flow through porous media

Eaton, R.R.

Yucca Mountain, located in southwestern Nevada, is the site for a proposed high-level nuclear waste repository. The hydrologic units at Yucca Mountain appear to have quite different material characteristics. Additionally, measurements show that the material properties within each hydrologic unit vary significantly. Rock core samples taken from this site indicate that the volcanic tuff is highly fractured and nonhomogeneous. Modeling studies were conducted to determine the effects of material heterogeneities on the flow of water through rock. Multiple numerical calculations were made using random variations in spatial distributions of material properties. The results of these material variations on flow resistance, mechanical dispersion, and channeling were determined. Computed results were compared with a linear analytical model. Good agreement was obtained in the majority of the flow cases investigated.