Abstract
We present a new, high-order, control-volume-finite-element (CVFE) method with discontinuous Nthorder representation for pressure and (N+1)th-order for velocity. The method conserves mass and ensures that the extended Darcy equations for multi-phase flow are exactly enforced, but does not require the use of control volumes (CVs) that span domain boundaries. We demonstrate that the approach, amongst other features, accurately preserves sharp saturation changes associated with high aspect ratio geologic features such as fractures and mudstones, allowing efficient simulation of flow in highly heterogeneous models. Moreover, in conjunction with dynamic mesh optimization, in which the mesh adapts in space and time to key solution fields such as pressure, velocity or saturation whilst honoring a surface-based representation of the underlying geologic heterogeneity, accurate solutions are obtained at significantly lower computational cost than an equivalent fine, fixed mesh and conventional CVFE methods. The work presented is significant for two reasons. First, it resolves a longstanding problem associated with the use of classical CVFE methods to model flow in highly heterogeneous porous media; second, it reduces computational cost/increases solution accuracy through the use of dynamic mesh optimization without compromising parallelization.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | 77th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2015 |
Subtitle of host publication | Earth Science for Energy and Environment |
Publisher | European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, EAGE |
Pages | 241-245 |
Number of pages | 5 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781510806627 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2015 |
Event | 77th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2015: Earth Science for Energy and Environment: Earth Science for Energy and Environment - Spain, Madrid, Spain Duration: 1 Jun 2015 → 4 Jun 2015 |
Conference
Conference | 77th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2015: Earth Science for Energy and Environment |
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Country/Territory | Spain |
City | Madrid |
Period | 1/06/15 → 4/06/15 |