W B Durham | PubMed Health

PubMed2003

Fracture flow simulation using a finite-difference lattice Boltzmann method.

We present numerical computations for single phase flow through three-dimensional digitized rock fractures under varied simulated confining pressures appropriate to midcrustal depths. The computations are performed using a finite difference, lattice Boltzmann method and thus simulate Navier-Stokes flow. The digitized fracture data sets come from profiled elevations taken on tensile induced fractures in Harcourt granite. Numerical predictions of fracture permeability are compared with laboratory measurements performed on the same fractures. Use of the finite difference lattice Boltzmann method allows computation on nonuniform grid spacing, enabling accurate resolution across the aperture width without extensive refinement in the other two directions.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

The state and future of Mars polar science and exploration.

As the planet's principal cold traps, the martian polar regions have accumulated extensive mantles of ice and dust that cover individual areas of approximately 10(6) km2 and total as much as 3-4 km thick. From the scarcity of superposed craters on their surface, these layered deposits are thought to be comparatively young--preserving a record of the seasonal and climatic cycling of atmospheric CO2, H2O, and dust over the past approximately 10(5)-10(8) years. For this reason, the martian polar deposits may serve as a Rosetta Stone for understanding the geologic and climatic history of the planet--documenting variations in insolation (due to quasiperiodic oscillations in the planet's obliquity and orbital elements), volatile mass balance, atmospheric composition, dust storm activity, volcanic eruptions, large impacts, catastrophic floods, solar luminosity, supernovae, and perhaps even a record of microbial life. Beyond their scientific value, the polar regions may soon prove important for another reason--providing a valuable and accessible reservoir of water to support the long-term human exploration of Mars. In this paper we assess the current state of Mars polar research, identify the key questions that motivate the exploration of the polar regions, discuss the extent to which current missions will address these questions, and speculate about what additional capabilities and investigations may be required to address the issues that remain outstanding.

Atmosphere↗