Applicability of the Continuum Mapping Approach for Groundwater Flow Modeling in 3D Fracture Networks

Abstract A methodology for simulating groundwater flow in three-dimensional (3D) stochastic fracture rocks based on a commonly used finite-difference method is presented this paper. Different realizations of networks are generated by the continuum (FCM), which appropriate 3D cuboids to describe geometry fractures. Then, effects different parameter distributions indicated that length, orientation, and density fractures all play significant roles connectivity methodology. Greater length wider orientation range lead greater connectivity. The proper contrast hydraulic conductivities between matrix found be approximately 105 due contribution fluid can ignored. It shown plays key role stabilizing equivalent conductivity (Ke) networks. Furthermore, closer general direction, larger Ke possess. findings study help better understanding mechanism FCM influence characteristics models.