Topology of fracture networks

Frontiers in Physics

Hope, Sigmund Mongstad¹  Andresen, Christian Andre¹  Hansen, Alex¹  Davy, Philippe²  Le Goc, Romain² 

[1] Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Physics, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway;Universite de Rennes 1, Geosciences Rennes, Rennes, F-35042, France

关键词: fractures;    fracture networks;    network topology;    dual networks;    Network analysis;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fphy.2013.00007

学科分类：物理（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

We propose a mapping from fracture systems consisting of intersecting fracture sheets in three dimensions to an abstract network consisting of nodes and links. This makes it possible to analyze fracture systems with the methods developed within modern network theory. We test the mapping for two-dimensional geological fracture outcrops and find that the equivalent networks show small-world characteristics and are dissasortative. By analyzing the Discrete Fracture Network model, which is used to generate artificial fracture outcrop networks, we also find small world networks. However, the networks turn out to be assortative.

【 授权许可】

CC BY