Robust numerical implementation of a 3D rate‐dependent model for reservoir geomechanical simulations. (9th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Isotton, Giovanni; Teatini, Pietro; Ferronato, Massimiliano; Janna, Carlo; Spiezia, Nicolò; Mantica, Stefano; Volonte, Giorgio
• Is Part Of: International journal for numerical and analytical methods in geomechanics. Volume 43:Number 18(2019)
• Page Start: 2752
• Page End: 2771
• Publication Date: 2019-09-09
• Subjects: finite elements -- hydrocarbon reservoir -- land subsidence -- numerical implementation -- rate‐dependent constitutive model; Soil mechanics -- Mathematics -- Periodicals; Rock mechanics -- Mathematics -- Periodicals; 624.1510151
• DOI: 10.1002/nag.3000
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-9061

Abstract

Summary: A 3D elasto‐plastic rate‐dependent model for rock mechanics is formulated and implemented into a Finite Element (FE) numerical code. The model is based on the approach proposed by Vermeer and Neher (A soft soil model that accounts for creep. In: Proceedings of the International Symposium "Beyond 2000 in Computational Geotechnics, " pages 249‐261, 1999). An original strain‐driven algorithm with an Inexact Newton iterative scheme is used to compute the state variables for a given strain increment.The model is validated against laboratory measurements, checked on a simplified test case, and used to simulate land subsidence due to groundwater and hydrocarbon production. The numerical results prove computationally effective and robust, thus allowing for the use of the model on real complex geological settings.