A simple mathematical model for determining the equivalent permeability of fractured porous media

A simple mathematical model has been proposed so as to determine the equivalent permeability of fractured porous media. The model consists of square blocks placed in an array with vertical and horizontal fractures between the blocks. An analytical expression valid for all macroscopic flow directions has been derived for the equivalent permeability of the fractured porous media, assuming a horizontal flow through the blocks placed in a porous medium. The analytical expression agrees well with the existing equations and also with the microscopic numerical results carried out using a unit structure with periodic boundary conditions. The foregoing two-dimensional model has been extended to a three dimensional case in which the cubic rocks are arranged in a cubic array. The resulting three-dimensional analytical expression for the equivalent permeability is found to agree very well with both existing formula and microscopic numerical simulation.