Micromechanics-Based Permeability Evolution in Brittle Materials at High Strain Rates

Abstract

We develop a micromechanics-based permeability evolution model for brittle materials at high strain rates (≥ 100 s- 1). Extending for undrained deformation the mechanical constitutive description of brittle solids, whose constitutive response is governed by micro-cracks, we now relate the damage-induced strains to micro-crack aperture. We then use an existing permeability model to evaluate the permeability evolution. This model predicts both the percolative and connected regime of permeability evolution of Westerly Granite during triaxial loading at high strain rate. This model can simulate pore pressure history during earthquake coseismic dynamic ruptures under undrained conditions.