One of the simplest aspects of coupling between mechanics and hydromechanics of fractures is addressed by the numerical resolution of the mechanical and hydrodynamic equations in three dimensions at the local level. A mean field approximation is derived that may include nonlinear effects because of the variations of the contact surface. Three types of fractures were studied, namely, model deterministic, Gaussian, and self-affine. Numerical results relative to the closure of the fracture, the normal stiffness, and the permeability are presented and discussed. They are satisfactorily compared to available experimental results.

• Received 2 December 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.56.3167