Figure 3.
The diagram illustrates fluid entering a confined sample and initiating fractures. In panel a a narrow-branched fracture begins at the inlet and spreads slightly. In panel b the fracture network expands with multiple branches and increased spread across the sample. In panel c the fractures extend further forming a connected network across the sample. Arrows indicate fluid injection and outward deformation during propagation.Conceptual model of the onset of gas flow in COx. (a) Initial gas entry. Localised compaction around the pathway, causing bulk sample dilation. (b) Gas pathway network slowly propagates through the sample, resulting in substantial dilation at the mid. (c) Gas pathways reach the downstream end of the sample, resulting in greater outflow and continued dilation (Cuss et al., 2014)