Complex Aperture Networks

A complex network approach is proposed to study the shear behavior of a rough rock joint. Similarities between aperture profiles are established and a general network in two directions (in parallel and perpendicular to the shear direction) is constructed. Evaluation of this newly formed network shows that the degree distribution of the network, after a transition stage falls into a quasi stable state which is roughly obeying a Gaussian distribution. In addition, the growth of the clustering coefficient and the number of edges are approximately scaled with the development of shear strength and hydraulic conductivity, which can be utilized to estimate, shear distribution over asperities. Furthermore, we characterize the contact profiles using the same approach. Despite the former case, the later networks are following a growing network mode.