Experimental study on mechanical and optical properties of printable photopolymer used for visualising hidden structures and stresses in rocks

The visualization and quantification of the internal complex structure, stress field, and fluid flow behaviour of subsurface rocks is crucial for the enhanced recovery of deep earth resources and protection of their formation environment. Replicating natural rocks using models produced by three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology is a promising method for visualising and quantifying the hidden structural changes, stress evolution, and fluid flow within subsurface rocks. The development of model materials that are suitable for 3DP and reflect the physical and mechanical properties of rocks is the key to achieving this goal. In this study, the mechanical and optical properties of the printable stress-sensitive photopolymer VeroClear were measured at temperatures in the range from 50 to 125 degrees C to evaluate the suitability of this photopolymer for modelling actual rocks. The contact angles of the material in different solutions used for evaluating the fluid flow behaviour of rocks were also measured. The reported datasets experimentally support the use of additively printed models for evaluating the solid and fluid mechanics of subsurface rocks.

Automated summary

The study evaluates the mechanical and optical properties of the printable stress-sensitive photopolymer VeroClear at temperatures ranging from 50 to 125 degrees Celsius for modeling actual rocks. Additionally, contact angles of the material in different solutions were measured to evaluate the fluid flow behavior of rocks. The experimental data reported support the use of additively printed models for evaluating the solid and fluid mechanics of subsurface rocks.