Simulating fluid loss through diverging fracture fronts

A laboratory test apparatus comprising:

• a housing comprising an inlet and an outlet, the housing defining an inner volume, the housing configured to receive and sealingly retain fluid in the inner volume;
• a plurality of plates stacked one atop the other along a longitudinal axis of the housing, each plate defining respective opening formed in respective axial surface of each plate, each opening spanning a longitudinal thickness of each plate, an opening of a first plate of the plurality of plates diverging in dimension along the longitudinal thickness of the first plate, an opening of a second plate of the plurality of plates converging in dimension along the longitudinal thickness of the second plate, an opening of a third plate of the plurality of plates being parallel along the longitudinal thickness of the third plate, each plate sealingly positioned within the inner volume of the housing between the inlet and the outlet to permit fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet through the opening of each of the first plate, the second plate and the third plate and preventing the fluid flow past a circumferential surface of each plate;
• and
• a fluidic pressure source fluidically coupled to the housing and configured to flow the fluid through the housing.