Fractal dimension analysis on pore structure of artificial cores using magnetic resonance imaging

Fractal theory, which builds a bridge between micro-morphology and macro-performance, is an effective method for characterizing the complexity of pore-structure which has irregularity. In this paper, the fractal dimension calculated by box-counting method based on fractal theory is applied to characterizing the pore structure. The microstructure or pore distribution in porous materials is obtained by using the nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Four artificial cores (R1, R3, R4, and R5) are selected as the experimental materials to investigate the relationship between porosity, permeability of artificial cores and fractal dimension. The results indicate that the fractal dimension can be used to distinguish the different kinds of artificial cores. Furthermore, the relationship between porosity, permeability and fractal dimension can be expressed by the model of D = a - bln(x + c).