Abstract
Attempts to force fits of experimental data to inappropriate equations, such as the Advection-Dispersion Equation, or unphysical models, such as the capillary bundle model, have led people to unnecessary or erroneous conclusions. We address a number of assertions that can be rejected, when the results of the application of percolation theoretical techniques to network models of porous media are compared with experiment. These include the misunderstood roles of multi-scale heterogeneity (not necessary for scale-dependent dispersion), matrix diffusion (not required for long-tailed arrival-time distributions of solutes in fracture flow), and preferential flow paths (special assumptions, such as dual porosity are non-essential). In this chapter we also emphasize the unifying potential of percolation concepts and suggest changes in the directions of future research which could lead to increased understanding.
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Hunt, A., Ewing, R., Ghanbarian, B. (2014). Misconceptions. In: Percolation Theory for Flow in Porous Media. Lecture Notes in Physics, vol 880. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03771-4_13
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03771-4_13
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-03770-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-03771-4
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