Simulation of solute transport in fractured porous media using the symmetrical streamline stabilization

A fracture-matrix model, which describes the rock masses by coupling discrete fractures and porous blocks is used for simulation of flow and transport in a randomly generated fracture system. The governing equations are approximated by means of finite elements. For the numerical solution of the advective-diffusive equation the symmetrical streamline stabilization (S3) is applied in order to stabilize the high advective transport in the fractures. It combines the Galerkin method with the Least-Squares method leading to oscillation-free results due to an inherent upwind effect. The procedure is used in a reliability analysis of underground repositories. The concentration distribution obtained with this model demonstrates the importance of considering the fractures in a discrete manner.