Influence of ambient groundwater flow on DNAPL migration in a fracture network

We consider influences of the aperture variation and the ambient groundwater flow on the migration of DNAPL within a fracture network. In context of a modified invasion percolation (MIP) growth algorithm, we formulate a mechanistic model that includes capillary and gravity forces as well as viscous forces within the DNAPL and the ambient groundwater. The MIP model is verified against laboratory experiments, which is conducted using a two-dimensional random fracture network model. The results show that the aperture variation and ambient groundwater flow can be significant factors controlling DNAPL migration path within fracture networks.