Abstract
A unique 3-D computer simulator is used to predict natural fracture network characteristics in the subsurface. The model is based on the numerical solution of rock deformation processes coupled to the myriad of other basin reaction, transport and mechanical (RTM) processes. The model integrates seismic, well log and surface geological data to arrive at a quantitative picture of the distribution of fractures, stress, petroleum and porosity, grain size and other textural information.
The core of the model is an incremental stress rheology that accounts far poroelasticity, nonlinear viscosity with yield/faulting, pressure solution and fracturing. In this way it couples mechanics to multi-phase flow and diagenesis (through their influence on effective stress and rock rheological properties). The model is fully 3-D in terms of the full range of fracture orientations and the tensorial nature of stress, deformation and permeability, as well as all conservation of mass, energy and momentum solvers. The model is fully dynamic as all rock properties (rheologie, multi-phase fluid transport, grain shape, etc.) are coevolved with the other variables.
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Tuncay, K., Park, A., Ortoleva, P. (2002). Fractures, Faults, and the Nonlinear RTM Dynamics of Sedimentary Basins. In: Chadam, J., Cunningham, A., Ewing, R.E., Ortoleva, P., Wheeler, M.F. (eds) Resource Recovery, Confinement, and Remediation of Environmental Hazards. The IMA Volumes in Mathematics and its Applications, vol 131. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0037-3_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0037-3_8
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