An eXtended finite element method implementation in COMSOL multiphysics: Thermo-hydro-mechanical modeling of fluid flow in discontinuous porous media

This paper presents the implementation of eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) in general-purpose commercial software package COMSOL Multiphysics for multi-field thermo-hydro-mechanical problems discontinuous porous media. To this end, an exclusive enrichment strategy is proposed compliance with modeling structure. modules and physics interfaces are adopted to take account relevant physical processes involved coupling analysis, namely: mechanical deformation, fluid flow media heat transfer. Essential changes made internal variables ensure consistency evaluation enriched solution fields. The model preprocessing, level-set updates, postprocessing procedures performed adopting a coherent utilization COMSOL’s built-in features along LiveLink MATLAB functions. process, remedies treatment zones, XFEM framework setup, multiphysics coupling, numerical integration described detail. capabilities performance approach investigated by examining several simulations involving single/multiple discontinuities 2D/3D rock settings.