Using x-ray computed tomography in hydrology: Systems, resolutions, and limitations

Dorthe Wildenschild, J.W. Hopmans, C.M.P. Vaz, M.L. Rivers, D. Rikard, Britt Stenhøj Baun Christensen

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    A combination of advances in experimental techniques and mathematical analysis has made it possible to characterize phase distribution and pore geometry in porous media using non-destructive X-ray computed tomography (CT). We present qualitative and quantitative CT results for partially saturated media, obtained with different scanning systems and sample sizes, to illustrate advantages and limitations of these various systems, including topics of spatial resolution and contrast. In addition, we present examples of our most recent three-dimensional high-resolution images, for which it was possible to resolve individual pores and to delineate air-water interfacial contacts. This kind of resolution provides a novel opportunity to follow the dynamic flow behavior on the pore scale and to verify new theoretical and numerical modeling approaches. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalJournal of Hydrology
    Volume267
    Issue number3-4
    Pages (from-to)285-297
    ISSN0022-1694
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2002

    Keywords

    • X-ray tomography
    • Synchrotron radiation
    • Visualization
    • Multi-phase flow
    • Porous media
    • Pore structure

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