Shape

The Shape of the fractures in a DFN Set are defined using the following parameters:

• Number of sides
• Elongation
• Rotation

Number of Sides

The number of sides defines the polygon shape of the fracture. Its value ranges from 3 sides (triangle) to 16 sides.

Elongation

Elongation defines the aspect ratio of the fracture polygon and elongation angle of the fracture polygon. The elongation angle is the direction of the stretch for the specified aspect ratio. The aspect ratio can either be a constant or follow a uniform distribution. Its value must be greater than 0. The elongation angle is always constant and ranges from 0 to 360 degrees.

Rotation

Fracture polygons can be further rotated after Elongation. Rotation defines the rotation of the fracture polygon around its normal. It can be a constant value ranging from 0 to 360 degrees or follow a uniform distribution.