Volume-Based Modelling of Fault Reactivation in Porous Media Using a Visco-Elastic Proxy Model

• DOI: 10.1007/s11242-016-0663-5
• Publication Date: 2016-03-11T14:08:38Z
• Authors: Martin Beck; Gabriele Seitz; Holger Class
• Keywords: Elastic energy; Poromechanics; Geomechanics

The injection of fluids into the subsurface takes place in context a variety engineering applications such as geothermal power generation, disposal wastewater, $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ storage and enhanced oil recovery. These technologies involve not only underground emplacement geologic formation but also affect stress state these rocks. If rock's strength is surpassed, changes can even lead to failure. In this context, we present conceptual approach model fault reactivation porous media. As starting point for developing implementing approach, already existing combined hydro- geomechanical within open-source simulator DuMu $$^{{x}}$$ was chosen. For evaluation shear slip on plane, classical Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion used. Based energy balance from Kanamori (Earthquake thermodynamics phase transformations earth's interior, international geophysics, vol 76. Academic Press, London, pp 293–305, 2001), where event described transformation elastic seismic waves, heat an amount required cause fracture, interpret dissipation energy. Furthermore, data allow infer constant drop over wide range scales (Abercrombie Leary Geophys Res Lett 20(14):1511–1514, 1993). findings are incorporated our by altering material properties during event. detail, linear law replaced visco-elastic behaviour, which reproduces characteristics mentioned above. This, turn, leads additional displacements, interpreted plane. Our results indicate that pragmatic capable modelling without resolving discrete surface elements representing zone instead.