Dispersion in three-dimensional fracture networks

Dispersion in three-dimensional networks of polygonal fractures is determined by triangulating the network and solving the two-dimensional convection-diffusion equation in each fracture or by performing random walks. The general triangulation methodology and the numerical solution are summarized. The influence of the Peclet number, of the fracture density and of the fracture shape are systematically studied. Moreover, fracture networks are shown to belong to the same universality class as bond percolation networks. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.