Modeling Multiphase Flow With Nonplanar Fractures

Abstract

Abstract Modeling flow with fractures can be challenging due to complex fracture geometries, strong variations in length and time scales as well as the need to combine multiple flow models. In this work, we propose a technique for overcoming these challenges based on the mimetic finite difference method (MFD) and the related multipoint flux mixed finite element method (MFMFE). These discretizations can be employed for solving problems over a set of general polyhedral meshes that can capture nonplanar fracture geometry. Our approach defines a physically and mathematically consistent technique for including internal boundary conditions. In our discretizations, flow in the reservoir and flow in the fracture are coupled using different physical models and numerical schemes. The respective flow models are locally conservative and are based on an implicit pressure/explicit saturation formulation and its iterative form.