Influence of ambient groundwater flow on DNAPL migration in a fracture network: Experiments and simulations

[1] We consider the influence of 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 show good agreement in DNAPL migration path through a two-dimensional fracture network. The results of both simulations and laboratory experiments suggest that ambient groundwater flow can be a significant factor controlling DNAPL migration path, velocity, and channeling pattern in a fracture network.