Beschreibung:
<jats:p>A mathematical model is presented for numerical simulation of solute transport in naturally fractured porous media. The model is based on the dual‐porosity conceptual approach and is capable of simulating interactions between porous rock matrix and fractures. Unlike earlier dual‐porosity transport models, which rely on parallel fracture assumptions, the present model is a unified model that is also able to represent blocky fractured systems (i.e., systems with suborthogonal fractures) by using a spherical idealization of matrix blocks. Two governing, partial differential equations are written for solute transport in the fractures and diffusion in the porous matrix blocks. These equations are coupled by mass flux terms (leakages). An efficient numerical scheme is presented for approximating the governing transport equations. The scheme effectively combines a two‐dimensional, upstream‐weighted, finite‐element approximation for transport in the fractures with a one‐dimensional Galerkin approximation for diffusion within the individual matrix blocks. Coupling of the two approximations is performed implicitly. The systems of algebraic equations resulting from both finite‐element approximations are solved by using sequential solution algorithms designed especially for this type of problem. Stability and accuracy of the numerical scheme are checked by applying the model to a number of test problems and comparing results with available analytical solutions. In all cases the numerical scheme is found to be highly stable and capable of producing reliable results with the use of relatively coarse spatial and temporal discretizations. Finally, the utility of the model is demonstrated by applying it to a hypothetical, yet realistic, problem.</jats:p>