Direct simulation of fluid-solid mechanics in porous media using the discrete element and lattice-Boltzmann methods

Update Item Information
Publication Type Journal Article
School or College College of Engineering
Department Civil & Environmental Engineering
Creator Mcpherson, Brian James
Other Author Boutt, David F.; Cook, Benjamin K.; Williams, J. R.
Title Direct simulation of fluid-solid mechanics in porous media using the discrete element and lattice-Boltzmann methods
Date 2007
Description A detailed understanding of the coupling between fluid and solid mechanics is important for understanding many processes in Earth sciences. Numerical models are a popular means for exploring these processes, but most models do not adequately handle all aspects of this coupling. This paper presents the application of a micromechanically based fluid-solid coupling scheme, lattice-Boltzmann discrete element method (LBDEM), for porous media simulation. The LBDEM approach couples the lattice-Boltzmann method for fluid mechanics and a discrete element method for solid mechanics. At the heart of this coupling is a previously developed boundary condition that has never been applied to coupled fluid-solid mechanics in porous media. Quantitative comparisons of model results to a one-dimensional analytical solution for fluid flow in a slightly deformable medium indicate a good match to the predicted continuum-scale fluid diffusion-like profile. Coupling of the numerical formulation is demonstrated through simulation of porous medium consolidation with the model capturing poroelastic behavior, such as the coupling between applied stress and fluid pressure rise. Finally, the LBDEM model is used to simulate the genesis and propagation of natural hydraulic fractures. The model provides insight into the relationship between fluid flow and propagation of fractures in strongly coupled systems. The LBDEM model captures the dominant dynamics of fluid-solid micromechanics of hydraulic fracturing and classes of problems that involve strongly coupled fluid-solid behavior.
Type Text
Publisher American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Journal Title Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume 112
Issue B10
First Page 1
Last Page 13
DOI 10.1029/2004JB003213
citatation_issn 0148-0227
Language eng
Bibliographic Citation Boutt, D. F., Cook, B. K., Mcpherson, B. J., & Williams, J. R. (2007). Direct simulation of fluid-solid mechanics in porous media using the discrete element. Journal of Geophysical Research, 112, B10209, 1-13-13-13.
Rights Management Author Boutt, D. F., Cook, B. K., Mcpherson, B. J., & Williams, J. R., Direct simulation of fluid-solid mechanics in porous media using the discrete element. Journal of Geophysical Research, 112, B10209, 1-13-13-13. 2007. Copyright 2007 American Geophysical Union. Reproduced/modified by permission of American Geophysical Union. doi:10.1029/2004JB003213.
Format Medium application/pdf
Format Extent 3,016,833 bytes
Identifier ir-main,15622
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Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6rf6cmq
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