STUDY OF FLOW AND TRANSPORT IN FRACTURE NETWORK USING PERCOLATION THEORY

A fracture network model based on algebraic topology theory has been d eveloped to study fluid flow and solute transport in fracture dominant media. The discrete fracture network is generated stochastically whil e the flow and transport in each individual fracture are solved using a continuum approach. Alternative to the traditional formulations, the fracture geometries, connectivities and flow characteristics follow a topological structure appropriate to the class of fracture networks o r systems. The innovative natures also include the development of a tr ansport mechanism in which dispersive-convective solute migration thro ugh discrete fracture network can be evaluated. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scie nce Inc. All rights reserved.