2017/12/16 by Runar L. Berge, Inga Berre, Berge, Runar L. +3
Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #Geophysics (physics.geo-ph) #physics.geo-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1712.06032
arxiv created 2017/12/16 · arxiv updated 2017/12/19
Fluid-induced slip of fractures is characterized by strong multiphysics couplings. Three physical processes are considered: Flow, rock deformation and fracture deformation. The fractures are represented as lower-dimensional objects embedded in a three-dimensional domain. Fluid is modeled as slightly compressible, and flow in both fractures and matrix is accounted for. The deformation of rock is inherently different from the deformation of fractures; thus, two different models are needed to describe the mechanical deformation of the rock. The medium surrounding the fractures is modeled as a linear elastic material, while the slip of fractures is modeled as a contact problem, governed by a static-dynamic friction model. We present an iterative scheme for solving the non-linear set of equations that arise from the models, and suggest how the step parameter in this scheme should depend on the shear modulus and mesh size.