Upscaling Fluid-Flow and Geomechanical Properties in Coupled Matrix+Fractures+ Fluids Systems
Gary Douglas Couples, Helen Lewis, M. A. Reynolds, Gillian Elizabeth Pickup, Jingsheng Ma, M. Rouainia, Nenad Bičanić, Chris J. Pearce · 2003
Abstract We have developed a coupled simulation approach, HYDRO-DDA, which calculates the fluid flow through, and geomechanical interactions within, a system of matrix blocks plus their bounding fractures. The flow and deformation behaviours of these simple, but realistic, systems do not agree with common "rules-of-thumb". The upscaled properties of these systems can potentially be used within large-cell reservoir simulations, but some of our models show severe non-linearities and bifurcations, suggesting that coupled hydrogeomechanical upscaling requires due consideration of the context.