Sharif Digital Repository

Lattice modeling is one of the most effective methods of simulation of crack initiation and propagation in heterogeneous materials. In this method, not only the impurities can be modeled in detail, but also micro crack initiations and crack ramifications can be observed. Lattice model simulations have shown remarkable results in both force-displacement charts and visual crack formations in heterogeneous materials, especially concrete. Simulation of mechanical behavior of concrete has always been a controversial issue in lattice modeling; and, so far, many researchers have proposed different methods. However, high computation demands, has preserved researchers from any major work on the... 

The main goal of this research is to investigate the effects of different types of heterogeneities on fluid flow and solute transport in saturated porous media. These heterogeneities are micro- and macro-fractures and cavities. For modeling micro- and macro-fractures we used an equivalent continuum model and extended finite element, respectively. Also, we modeled the problem by using mass conservation law for both components of the problem – fluid flow and the solute – and Darcy’s law. In modeling vuggy porous media, due to the high velocity of the fluid inside the free flow areas i.e. channels and cavities, we could not model the medium properly using Darcy’s law. Therefore, we had to use a...