Abstract
In order to validate the variable aperture channel model that can deal with the non-uniform How rate in flow domain, migration experiments of conservative tracer were performed in two artificial fractures, a parallel and a wedge-shaped fracture. These different fracture shapes were designed to give different flow pattern. The fractures were made from a transparent acrylic plastic plate and a granite slab with dimensions of 10 $\times$ 61 $\times$ 61 cm. Uranine (Fluorescein sodium salt) was used as a conservative tracer. The volumetric flow rates of uranine feed solution were 30 mL/ hr, giving a mean residence time in the fracture of approximately 24 hours for the parallel fracture and 34 hours for the wedge-shaped fracture. The migration plumes of uranine were photographed to obtain profiles in space and time for movement of a tracer in fractures. The photographed migration plume was greatly affected by the geometric shape of fractures. The variable aperture channel model could have predicted the experimental results for the parallel fracture with a large accuracy. It is expected that the variable aperture channel model would be effective to predict the transport of the contaminant, especially, with the flow rate variation in a fracture.
