journal article·2025-06-27Open access

Study on the Relationship Between Porosity and Mechanical Properties Based on Rock Pore Structure Reconstruction Model

Nan Xiao, Jun-Qing Chen, Xiang Qiu, Fu Huang, Tong-Hua Ling

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 13

Abstract

The influence of porosity on rock mechanical properties constitutes a critical research focus. This investigation explores the relationship between pore structure parameters and mechanical characteristics through reconstructed numerical models. The study employs an integrated approach combining laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. Initially, high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) was utilized to capture three-dimensional geometric features of Sichuan white sandstone microstructures, complemented by mechanical parameter acquisition through standardized testing protocols. The research workflow incorporated advanced image processing techniques, including adaptive total variation denoising algorithms for CT image enhancement and deep learning-based threshold segmentation for feature extraction. Subsequently, pore structure reconstruction models with controlled porosity variations were developed for systematic numerical experimentation. Key findings reveal a pronounced degradation trend in both mechanical strength and elastic modulus with increasing porosity levels. Based on simulation data, two empirical models were established: a porosity–compressive strength correlation model and a porosity–elastic modulus relationship model. These quantitative formulations provide theoretical support for understanding the porosity-dependent mechanical behavior in rock mechanics. The methodological framework and results presented in this study offer valuable insights for geological engineering applications and petrophysical characteristic analysis.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Rock Mechanics and Modeling · Drilling and Well Engineering · Coal Properties and Utilization

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Industry Key Laboratory of Traffic Infrastructure Security Risk Management, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410004, China

School of Civil Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China

Funding

Industry Key Laboratory of Traffic Infrastructure Security Risk Management · Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province · Key Project of Hunan Provincial Department of Education

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