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Author
Martys, N. S. | Robbins, M. O. | Cieplak, M.
Title
Scaling Relations for Interface Motion Through Disordered Media: Application to Two-Dimensional Fluid Invasion.
Coporate
Johns Hopkins Univ., Laurel, MD Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
Journal
Physical Review B, Vol. 44, No. 22, 12/294-306, December 1, 1991
Sponsor
National Science Foundation, Washington, DC National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD American Chemical Society, Washington, DC
Contract
NSF-GRANT-DMR-8553271
Keywords
scaling | scaling laws | interface motion | fluid invasion
Identifiers
application to 2D fluid invasion; finite-size scaling ansatz and scaling relations; finite-size scaling results for 2D fluid invasion
Abstract
We consider the critical transitions that occur as the force driving an interface through a random medium is increased. The total displacement of the interface, and the incremental advance after a small increase in force, diverage as the force approaches a critical depinning threshold. At the critical force there is a power-law distribution of growth sizes. General scaling relations are derived between the critical exponents associated with such transitions. These scaling relations are tested on a model system: fluid invasion of a two-dimensional porous medium. Critical exponents are determined from simulations using finite-size-scaling techniques. Two universality classes are identified: percolation and depinning. In both cases the calculated exponents obey the scaling relations.