New publications on THM-coupled processes in fractured media
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Journal article: Numerical Modelling of Convection-Driven Cooling, Deformation and Fracturing of Thermo-Poroelastic Media
| Authors | Ivar Stefansson, Eirik Keilegavlen, Sæunn Halldórsdóttir, Inga Berre |
| Journal | Transport in Porous Media |
| Link | https://doi.org/10.1007/s11242-021-01676-1 |
The paper presents the combination of a mixed-dimensional thermo-poromechanical model and fracture propagation. We investigate the interaction between fluid flow, heat transport and rock deformation and the complex interplay between these processes and fracture deformation and propagation. Simulations of subsurface applications demonstrate how both forced and natural convection may result in thermal stresses which in turn cause fracture propagation.
Journal article: A fully coupled numerical model of thermo-hydro-mechanical processes and fracture contact mechanics in porous media
| Authors | Ivar Stefansson, Inga Berre, Eirik Keilegavlen |
| Journal | Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering |
| Link | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045782521004539 |
We present a model for thermo-hydromechanical processes in fractured porous media with explicit representation of both porous medium and fractures. We supplement balance equations for mass, energy, momentum and tractions by fracture contact mechanics relations and constitutive laws to yield a fully coupled mixed-dimensional model. Simulations include stimulation and long-term cooling of a geothermal reservoir, exploring the complex interaction between the thermo-hydromechanical processes and fracture deformation.
Journal article: Hydro-mechanical simulation and analysis of induced seismicity for a hydraulic stimulation test at the Reykjanes geothermal field, Iceland
| Authors | Eirik Keilegavlen, Laure Duboeuf, Anna Maria Dichiarante, Sæunn Halldórsdóttir, Ivar Stefansson, Marcel Naumann, Egill Árni Guðnason, Kristján Ágústsson, Guðjón Helgi Eggertsson, Volker Oye, Inga Berre |
| Journal | Geothermics |
| Link | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0375650521001802 |
The combination of seismic analysis with advanced physics-based simulation provides an opportunity to further understand injection-induced fault reactivation, including the hydro-mechanical interplay between different faults and the rock where they reside. Here, this is investigated based on data from hydraulic stimulation of a well at the Reykjanes geothermal field. Central is the development of an interdisciplinary framework for integration of different data types towards a 3D, hydro-mechanical and faulted geothermal reservoir simulation model. This work shows how seismic interpretations can improve simulation models and, reciprocally, how fully coupled physics-based modeling can add to seismic interpretations in analysis of fault reactivation.