Dynamic Fracture Model Generator provides a new method for building fracture models, by simulating the nucleation, growth and interaction of fractures based on fundamental geomechanical principles. This allows more accurate and realistic fracture models to be generated more quickly, even in cases with limited input data. They can be easily integrated into fluid flow and geomechanical models. Multiple geologically realistic fracture models can be generated for more rapid uncertainty modelling.
Dynamic Fracture Model Generator can build either:
- Explicit Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) models, in which individual fractures are represented as geometric objects. This is ideal for detailed geomechanical and flow simulations.
- Implicit fracture models, in which the fracture network is represented by a series of grid properties, e.g. fracture density, size distribution, connectivity and anisotropy indices etc. This allows easier simulation of very large networks containing potentially millions of fractures.
Two interfaces are currently available for Dynamic Fracture Model Generator:
- A stand-alone interface with text file input and output. This is useful for research, calibration and sensitivity testing as it generates extensive data describing the evolution of the fracture network
- A plugin for the Schlumberger Petrel ™ geomodelling package. The input parameters are taken from Petrel grid properties, and the fracture model is output as either Petrel grid properties or a Petrel DFN object. This can be used to build complex fracture models easily – from near wellbore models (typically <25 cells, but modelling fractures down to a few centimetres in size) to full field models (>10,000 cells over several square kilometres, with hundreds of thousands of fractures)
The core Dynamic Fracture Model Generator code is designed to allow easy creation of additional interfaces. If you would like to see an interface with other software packages, please contact us at enquiries@jointflow.eu.
We are currently working on various software development projects to be released in the future:
- Multilayer Fracture Modelling, to model fracture propagation across lithological boundaries in mechanically layered strata. This will enable prediction of fracture connectivity between different stratigraphic units.
- Fluid-driven fracture propagation modelling: This can be used to assess the risk of fluid leakage due to mechanical failure of the topseal, for example, in Carbon Capture and Storage schemes.
- Modelling strain in response to diaprism: This enables easier modelling of fracture networks developed above diapirs, which may be important in hydrocarbon production, groundwater flow modelling, CCS or geothermal energy.
If you have any other suggestions for future developments, please contact us at enquiries@jointflow.eu.