Discrete fracture and pore network modelling for heterogeneous porous media materials

The nature of the fluid flow is strongly dependent on the spatial distribution of existing fractures and associated pore matrix. It is also recognized that rock fracture networks are the most significant means of fluid transport through rock masses in the subsurface of the Earth. However, due to the complexity about the subsurface fracture geometry and spatial connectivity, it is difficult to incorporate fracture into simulation model, as the characterization of subsurface fractures includes a large number of unknowns and a high degree of uncertainty.

Flow through fracture in the porous media is typically simulated using dual-porosity models. This approach, although very efficient, cannot be applied to spatially unstructured fractured media, which may be the nature of fracture distribution. Another shortcoming is the difficulty in accurately evaluating the transfer function between the matrix and the fractures. It is necessary to create a more accurate discrete fracture models, in which the fractures are represented explicitly with its surrounding pore matrix.

The objectives of this research is to model the fractures and the matrix in discrete approach. There are effective procedures based on discretization approaches for pore matrix network extraction and the pore network model to handle multiphase flow. It is more important to extend the pore network model to combine fracture into this scheme. The fractures can be observed over a wide range of scales, from micro-fractures to regional fractures with sizes of meters. The two systems (pore network matrix and fractures matrix) are connected based on their spatial arrangements.

Essential Background: Equivalent of 2.1 Honours Degree in Engineering, Physics, Geology, Mathematics or Computing Science

Knowledge of: Programing, mathematics and network modelling would be advantageous.