Modelling stress-dependent single and multi-phase flows in fractured porous media based on an immersed-body method with mesh adaptivity

• This paper presents a novel approach for hydromechanical modelling of fractured rocks by linking a finite-discrete element solid model with a control volume-finite element fluid model based on an immersed-body approach. The adaptive meshing capability permits flow within/near fractures to be accurately captured by locally-refined mesh. The model is validated against analytical solutions for single-phase flow through a smooth/rough fracture and reported numerical solutions for multi-phase flow through intersecting fractures. Examples of modelling single- and multi-phase flows through fracture networks under in situ stresses are further presented, illustrating the important geomechanical effects on the hydrological behaviour of fractured porous media.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap -- Oceanografi, hydrologi och vattenresurser (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences -- Oceanography, Hydrology and Water Resources (hsv//eng)

Keyword

FEMDEM

Immersed-body method

Aperture

Stress

Fluid flow

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)