Work

Geologic stress modulates fluid mixing at fracture intersections

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Stress-induced deformation of fracture intersections significantly changes how fluids mix, challenging existing mixing models. We demonstrate this using 3D printing, X-ray imaging, and pore-scale simulations, and propose a modified mixing model.review file is available.

Source: Communications Earth & Environment

DOI: 10.1038/s43247-026-03525-9

Authors: Jingxuan Deng, Laura J. Pyrak-Nolte, Peter K. Kang

Institutions: University of Minnesota, Purdue University West Lafayette

Language: English

Topic: Groundwater flow and contamination studies

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,490

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, University of Minnesota, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences