In-situ imaging of fractured rock and flow through them using simultaneous neutron and X-ray computed tomography, EPSRC

Despite a large body of literature on fractures mechanics, fracture initiation in rocks and the impact of the properties of the resulting fractures on flow is poorly understood and direct observations are limited. To address these questions, Drs Yukie Tanino and Amer Syed established a collaborative project that was first initiated through support from the Carnegie Trust for the Universties of Scotland and then followed by support from UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The project utilises combined X-ray and neutron imaging at the neutron imaging facility at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Maryland, USA. The two techniques offer complementary observations of fracture mechanics and conduction of fluid through rock.