Reconstruction of Rock Composed of Multiple Irregular Minerals and Microcracks Using the Modified Quartet Structure Generation Set Method

ABSTRACT In this study, a modified reconstruction method for rock that considers the irregularity of minerals and microcracks was proposed. First, the quartet structure generation set (QSGS) method was modified by establishing two different growth modes of initial growth cores to generate the minerals and microcracks. Then, three‐dimensional (3D) digital rock modeling software was developed based on the modified method, achieving efficient and parametric rock modeling using real rock characteristic parameters. Next, taking granite as an example, a series of digital rock models were reconstructed based on the real characteristic parameters obtained by x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and computed tomography (CT) tests. Finally, the accuracy of the modified method was verified by comparing the fractal dimensions of minerals and microcracks of digital rock models and granite sample. The results show that 3D digital rock modeling software can generate digital rock models with different mineral contents and porosities and that the generation time of the model decreases exponentially as the grid size increases. Meanwhile, the fractal dimensions of minerals and microcracks in the digital rock models are similar to those in the granite sample with acceptable errors of ± 5.0%. In summary, the modified method can reconstruct rock accurately and effectively by considering the irregularity of minerals and microcracks.