An edge-based three-dimensional interface element for simulation of joints, faults and other discontinuities present in several geomechanical applications is proposed. Edge-based data structures are used to improve computational efficiency of Inexact Newton methods for solving finite element nonlinear problems on unstructured meshes. Numerical experiments in the solution of three-dimensional pr...

This paper documents our effort to use a fully coupled hydro-geomechanical numerical test bed to study using low hydraulic pressure to stimulate geothermal reservoirs with existing fracture network. In this low pressure stimulation strategy, fluid pressure is lower than the minimum in situ compressive stress, so the fractures are not completely open but permeability improvement can be achieved ...

Particle Scale Reservoir Mechanics — This paper summarizes some developments and applications of discrete particle modelling based on the commercial code PFC (Particle Flow Code). The following examples with relevance to geomechanical reservoir behaviour are described: – Numerical and experimental results are shown illustrating nonlinear evolution of depletion-induced compaction and stress path...

Accurate prediction of reservoir production in structurally weak geologic areas requires both mechanical deformation and fluid flow modeling. Loose staggered-in-time coupling of two independent flow and mechanics simulators captures much of the complex physics at a substantially reduced cost. Two 3-D finite element simulators—Integrated Parallel Accurate Reservoir Simulator (IPARS) for flow and...

This article focuses on physical characteristics of snail soil from Ljubljana marsh and their influence on geomechanical characteristics. Mineral and chemical composition, visual appearance, specific surface and grain property of the snail soil were determined. The geomechanical characteristics were investigated for their dependence on the physical characteristics. These relationships are expre...

ABSTRACT: The geological storage of CO2 in saline aquifers is believed to be one of the most promising ways to reduce the concentration of the greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Injection of CO2 will, however, lead to dissolution of minerals in regions of lowered pH and precipitation of minerals from transported ions in regions of higher pH. The geomechanical implications of these changes on the...

Abstract. The contemporary stress state in the upper crust is of great interest for geotechnical applications and basic research alike. However, our knowledge crustal field from data perspective limited. For Germany basically two datasets are available: orientations maximum horizontal (SHmax) regime as part World Stress Map (WSM) database well a complementary compilation magnitude adjacent regi...