CAREER: Movement of Air-Water Interface Across Fracture Intersections

0449928 DragilaCAREER：气水界面在裂缝交叉点的运动本项目将使用测试的实验和理论方法研究控制流体在非饱和裂缝交叉点运动的控制过程，并确定哪些参数是重要的，以纳入大规模模型。确保全面了解通过裂缝的运输是一个巨大的国家重要性，在我们努力确保长期核废料的安全，并帮助确保我们国家未来供水的质量。三个项目阶段将促进我们对这一重要课题的理解：（1）将“有效动态接触角”确定为体积平均参数，以描述通过由交叉动力学确定的裂缝系统的净运输;（2）量化交叉几何形状对流动动力学的作用;以及（3）预测现场规模的羽流演化（例如，聚焦和分散）。预期成果如下：（a）通过确定控制交叉口模式选择的支配过程，促进对多相流物理学的理解;以及（B）通过开发用于将交叉动态结合到现场的基于地质的框架来解决预测建模中的主要不确定性，规模模型。一个教育组成部分，整合了研究和教育的高年级本科生和博士生已经设计，以吸引顶级合格的学生进入研究科学职业。一流的本科理科专业将被招募到跨学科的研究教育小组工作，并参与研究项目的各个方面，最终在全国会议上发表演讲。选择的教学方法，即，综合研究和能力发展，将有助于为学习注入发现的兴奋，更好地理解技能发展，并为完成本科学习和研究生工作提供宝贵的鼓励。博士生导师将参与所有教学材料的开发，其中包括流体物理学的新实践探索课程，以及与NSF G-K12和SMILE计划合作为在职K-12教师举办的研讨会。该项目的教育和推广部分是专门设计的，其愿景是确保国家的科学家供应能够克服未来的技术挑战。

0449928DragilaCAREER: Movement of Air-Water Interface Across Fracture IntersectionsThis project will investigate the governing processes that control fluid movement across unsaturated fracture intersections using tested experimental and theoretical methods and determine what parameters are important to incorporate into large-scale models. Securing a comprehensive understanding of transport through fractures is a matter of immense national importance in our efforts to secure both the safety of long-term nuclear waste and to help ensure the quality of our nation's future water supply. Three project phases will advance our understanding of this important subject: (1) identify the "effective dynamic contact angle" as a volume averaging parameter in order to describe net transport through the fractured system determined by intersection dynamics; (2) quantify the role of intersection geometry on flow dynamics; and (3) develop predictions for field-scale plume evolution (e.g., focusing and dispersal) using the concept of equivalent fibrous media. Expected results are: (a) advance the understanding of the physics of multi-phase flow by identifying governing processes that control mode selection at intersections; and (b) resolve a leading uncertainty in predictive modeling by developing a geologically based framework for incorporating intersection dynamics into field-scale models.An educational component that integrates research and education for upper division undergraduate and PhD students has been designed to attract top qualified students into research science careers. Top-tier undergraduate science majors will be recruited to work in cross-disciplinary research-education groups and participate in all aspects of the research project, culminating with presentations at a national conference. The pedagogical technique selected, i.e., integrated research and capacity development, will serve to infuse learning with the excitement of discovery, greater appreciation of skill-development, and give invaluable encouragement towards completion of both undergraduate studies and graduate work. The PhD student-mentor will participate in the development of all pedagogical materials, which will include a new hands-on exploratory course in fluid physics, and workshops for in-service K-12 teachers in collaboration with the NSF G-K12 and SMILE programs. The educational and outreach portion of this project are specifically designed with the vision to ensure that the nation's supply of scientists are equipped to surmount the technical challenges of the future.