Stochastic vector and tensor fields applied to strain modelling

In this payer a brief introduction to the theor) of stochastic vector and t enser fields is given. Necessary and sufficient conditions for isotropic ve ctor random fields are reviewed and necessary conditions for second order t ensors are developed. These models increase the flexibility of the usual ge ostatistical models but at the cost of increased complexity. This complexit y can be reduced to a manageable level for a class of tenser fields that ar e associated with strain. The potential for modelling fractures using strai n models is briefly discussed.