Fractured Porous Media

This book provides a systematic treatment of the geometrical and transport properties of fractures, fracture networks, and fractured porous media. It is divided into two major parts. The first part deals with geometry of individual fractures and of fracture networks. The use of the dimensionless density rationalizes the results for the percolation threshold of the networks. It presents the crucial advantage of grouping the numerical data for various fracture shapes. The second part deals mainly with permeability under steady conditions of fractures, fracture networks, and fractured porous media. Again the results for various types of networks can be rationalized by means of the dimensionless density. A chapter is dedicated to two phase flow in fractured porous media.

In this standard reference of the field, theoretical and experimental approaches to flow, hydrodynamic dispersion, and miscible displacements in porous media and fractured rock are considered. Two different approaches are discussed and contrasted with each other. The first approach is based on the classical equations of flow and transport, called 'continuum models'. The second approach is based on modern methods of statistical physics of disordered media; that is, on 'discrete models', which have become increasingly popular over the past 15 years. The book is unique in its scope, since (1) there is currently no book that compares the two approaches, and covers all important aspects of porous media problems; and (2) includes discussion of fractured rocks, which so far has been treated as a separate subject. Portions of the book would be suitable for an advanced undergraduate course. The book will be ideal for graduate courses on the subject, and can be used by chemical, petroleum, civil, environmental engineers, and geologists, as well as physicists, applied physicist and allied scientists that deal with various porous media problems.

This volume collects state-of-the-art contributions on the numerical simulation of fractured porous media, focusing on flow and geomechanics. First appearing in issues of the International Journal on Geomathematics, these articles are now conveniently packaged in one volume. Of particular interest to readers will be the potential applications of modern numerical methods to the problem of processes in fractured porous media. This book is ideal for computational scientists and numerical analysts interested in recent developments of numerical discretization techniques for underground flow and geomechanics. Engineers and geologists studying modern simulation techniques will also find this a valuable resource.

The fluid flow in fracture porous media plays a significant role in the assessment of deep underground reservoirs, such as through CO2 sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, and geothermal energy development. Many methods have been employed—from laboratory experimentation to theoretical analysis and numerical simulations—and allowed for many useful conclusions. This Special Issue aims to report on the current advances related to this topic. This collection of 58 papers represents a wide variety of topics, including on granite permeability investigation, grouting, coal mining, roadway, and concrete, to name but a few. We sincerely hope that the papers published in this Special Issue will be an invaluable resource for our readers.

This book addresses the characterization of flow and transport in porous fractured media from experimental and modeling perspectives. It provides a comprehensive presentation of investigations performed and analyzed on different scales.

Multiphase Fluid Flow in Porous and Fractured Reservoirs discusses the process of modeling fluid flow in petroleum and natural gas reservoirs, a practice that has become increasingly complex thanks to multiple fractures in horizontal drilling and the discovery of more unconventional reservoirs and resources. The book updates the reservoir engineer of today with the latest developments in reservoir simulation by combining a powerhouse of theory, analytical, and numerical methods to create stronger verification and validation modeling methods, ultimately improving recovery in stagnant and complex reservoirs. Going beyond the standard topics in past literature, coverage includes well treatment, Non-Newtonian fluids and rheological models, multiphase fluid coupled with geomechanics in reservoirs, and modeling applications for unconventional petroleum resources. The book equips today’s reservoir engineer and modeler with the most relevant tools and knowledge to establish and solidify stronger oil and gas recovery. Delivers updates on recent developments in reservoir simulation such as modeling approaches for multiphase flow simulation of fractured media and unconventional reservoirs Explains analytical solutions and approaches as well as applications to modeling verification for today’s reservoir problems, such as evaluating saturation and pressure profiles and recovery factors or displacement efficiency Utilize practical codes and programs featured from online companion website

Computational Methods for Fracture in Porous Media: Isogeometric and Extended Finite Element Methods provides a self-contained presentation of new modeling techniques for simulating crack propagation in fluid-saturated porous materials. This book reviews the basic equations that govern fluid-saturated porous media. A multi-scale approach to modeling fluid transport in joins, cracks, and faults is described in such a way that the resulting formulation allows for a sub-grid representation of the crack and fluid flow in the crack. Interface elements are also analyzed with their extension to the hydromechanical case. The flexibility of Extended Finite Element Method for non-stationary cracks is also explored and their formulation for fracture in porous media described. This book introduces Isogeometric finite element methods and its basic features and properties. The rapidly evolving phase-field approach to fracture is also discussed. The applications of this book’s content cover various fields of engineering, making it a valuable resource for researchers in soil, rock and biomechanics. Teaches both new and upcoming computational techniques for simulating fracture in (partially) fluid-saturated porous media Helps readers learn how to couple modern computational methods with non-linear fracture mechanics and flow in porous media Presents tactics on how to simulate fracture propagation in hydraulic fracturing

This book addresses the characterization of flow and transport in porous fractured media from experimental and modeling perspectives. The volume explores porous media problems, from the origin of the present natural porous structures, to their characterization, and various flow and transport phenomena that exist within the porous media. Examples are miscible displacements in porous media and fractured rock and the physical and chemical interactions within porous fractured aquifers. The book is a comprehensive presentation of investigations performed and analysed on different scales, supporting the understanding and application of experimental studies and numerical simulations.