  We investigate the chemical dissolution of porous media using a network model
in which the system is represented as a series of interconnected pipes with the
diameter of each segment increasing in proportion to the local reactant
consumption. Moreover, the topology of the network is allowed to change
dynamically during the simulation: as the diameters of the eroding pores become
comparable with the interpore distances, the pores are joined together thus
changing the interconnections within the network. With this model, we
investigate different growth regimes in an evolving porous medium, identifying
the mechanisms responsible for the emergence of specific patterns. We consider
both the random and regular network and study the effect of the network
geometry on the patterns. Finally, we consider practically important problem of
finding an optimum flow rate that gives a maximum increase in permeability for
a given amount of reactant.

Fluid Dynamics;Geophysics