Percolation properties of the classic Sierpinski carpet and sponge

Abstract

Iterative construction of a Sierpinski carpet or sponge is shown to be a critical phenomenon analogous to uncorrelated percolation. Critical exponents are derived or calculated (by random walks over the carpet or sponge at infinite iteration) that are related by equations identical to those obtained from percolation theory. Finite-size scaling then gives accurate values for the scalar transport properties (e.g., effective conductivity) of the carpet or sponge at any stage of iteration.