Anomalous transport on regular fracture networks: Impact of conductivity heterogeneity and mixing at fracture intersections

We investigate transport on regular fracture networks that are characterized by heterogeneity in hydraulic conductivity. We discuss the impact of conductivity heterogeneity and mixing within fracture intersections on particle spreading. We show the emergence of non-Fickian transport due to the interplay between the network conductivity heterogeneity and the degree of mixing at nodes. Specifically, lack of mixing at fracture intersections leads to subdiffusive scaling of transverse spreading but has negligible impact on longitudinal spreading. An increase in network conductivity heterogeneity enhances both longitudinal and transverse spreading and leads to non-Fickian transport in longitudinal direction. Based on the observed Lagrangian velocity statistics, we develop an effective stochastic model that incorporates the interplay between Lagrangian velocity correlation and velocity distribution. The model is parameterized with a few physical parameters and is able to capture the full particle transition dynamics. © 2015 American Physical Society.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Kang, Peter K., Dentz, Marco, Le Borgne, Tanguy, Juanes, Rubén
Other Authors:	European Research Council
Format:	artículo biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	American Physical Society 2015-08-28
Subjects:	Lagrange multipliers, Fracture network, Lagrangian velocity, Non-fickian transports,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/10261/140770 http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000781
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