Adaptive generalized multiscale approximation of a mixed finite element method with velocity elimination

Computational Geosciences - In this paper, we propose offline and online adaptive enrichment algorithms for the generalized multiscale approximation of a mixed finite element method with velocity...     

Online conservative generalized multiscale finite element method for highly heterogeneous flow models

Computational Geosciences - In this work, we consider an online enrichment procedure in the context of the Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method (GMsFEM) for the two-phase flow model in...     

A multiscale finite element formulation for axisymmetric elastoplasticity with volumetric locking

Similar to plane strain, axisymmetric stress problem is also highly kinematics constrained. Standard displacement‐based finite element exhibits volumetric locking issue in simulating nearly/fully incompressible material or isochoric plasticity under axisymmetric loading conditions, which severely underestimates the deformation and overestimates the bearing capacity for structural/geotechnical engineering problems. The aim of this paper is to apply variational multiscale method to produce a stabilized mixed displacement–pressure formulation, which can effectively alleviate the volumetric locking issue for axisymmetric stress problem. Both nearly incompressible elasticity and isochoric J₂ elastoplasticity are investigated. First‐order 3‐node triangular and 4‐node quadrilateral elements are tested for locking issues. Several representative simulations are provided to demonstrate the performance of the linear elements, which include the convergence study and comparison with closed‐form solutions. A comparative study with pressure Laplacian stabilized formulation is also presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Uncertainty quantification of two-phase flow problems via measure theory and the generalized multiscale finite element method

The problem of multiphase phase flow in heterogeneous subsurface porous media is one involving many uncertainties. In particular, the permeability of the medium is an important aspect of the model that is inherently uncertain. Properly quantifying these uncertainties is essential in order to make reliable probabilistic-based predictions and future decisions. In this work, a measure-theoretic framework is employed to quantify uncertainties in a two-phase subsurface flow model in high-contrast media. Given uncertain saturation data from observation wells, the stochastic inverse problem is solved numerically in order to obtain a probability measure on the space of unknown permeability parameters characterizing the two-phase flow. As solving the stochastic inverse problem requires a number of forward model solves, we also incorporate the use of a conservative version of the generalized multiscale finite element method for added efficiency. The parameter-space probability measure is used in order to make predictions of saturation values where measurements are not available, and to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in the context of fine and coarse model solves. A number of numerical examples are offered to illustrate the measure-theoretic methodology for solving the stochastic inverse problem using both fine and coarse solution schemes.     

模拟三维裂纹问题的多尺度扩展有限元法

扩展有限元法模拟裂纹时独立于网格,因此该方法是目前求解裂纹问题最有效的数值方法。为了在计算代价不大的情况,实现大型结构分析中考虑小裂纹或提高裂纹附近精度,在裂纹附近一般采用小尺度单元,其他区域采用大尺度单元。提出了分析三维裂纹问题的多尺度扩展有限元法,在需要的地方采用小尺度单元。基于点插值构造了六面体任意节点单元。所有尺度单元都采用8节点六面体单元,这样六面体任意节点单元可方便有效地连接不同尺度单元。采用互作用积分法计算三维应力强度因子。边裂纹和中心圆裂纹算例分析结果表明,该方法是正确和有效的。     

基于粗细网格的有限元并行分析方法

并行计算己成为求解大规模岩土工程问题的一种强大趋势。探讨了粗细网格与预处理共轭梯度法结合的并行有限元算法。从多重网格刚度矩阵推得有效的预处理子。该算法在工作站机群上实现。用地基处理时土体强夯的数值模拟分析进行了数值测试,对其并行性能进行了详细分析。计算结果表明：该算法具有良好的并行加速比和效率,是一种有效的并行算法。     

A mixed finite element method for Hele-Shaw cell equations

A new numerical method to solve the system of equations describing two phase flow in a Hele-Shaw cell is presented. It combines a mixed finite element method, the method of subtraction of the singularity and a front tracking grid in a single computational strategy. This choice of discretization techniques is well motivated by the difficulties present in the system of equations and the physics of the problem. The new method was tested against analytical solutions and also by solving the Saffman–Taylor viscous fingering problem for finite and infinite mobility ratios. In both cases convergence under mesh refinement is achieved for the fingers developed from an initial sinusoidal interface. Finger splitting is observed for low values of the surface tension and high mobility ratio. Different explanations, based in our results, are provided for this phenomenon. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Monotone multiscale finite volume method

The MultiScale Finite Volume (MSFV) method is known to produce non-monotone solutions. The causes of the non-monotone solutions are identified and connected to the local flux across the boundaries of primal coarse cells induced by the basis functions. We propose a monotone MSFV (m-MSFV) method based on a local stencil-fix that guarantees monotonicity of the coarse-scale operator, and thus, the resulting approximate fine-scale solution. Detection of non-physical transmissibility coefficients that lead to non-monotone solutions is achieved using local information only and is performed algebraically. For these ‘critical’ primal coarse-grid interfaces, a monotone local flux approximation, specifically, a Two-Point Flux Approximation (TPFA), is employed. Alternatively, a local linear boundary condition can be used for the dual basis functions to reduce the degree of non-monotonicity. The local nature of the two strategies allows for ensuring monotonicity in local sub-regions, where the non-physical transmissibility occurs. For practical applications, an adaptive approach based on normalized positive off-diagonal coarse-scale transmissibility coefficients is developed. Based on the histogram of these normalized coefficients, one can remove the large peaks by applying the proposed modifications only for a small fraction of the primal coarse grids. Though the m-MSFV approach can guarantee monotonicity of the solutions to any desired level, numerical results illustrate that employing the m-MSFV modifications only for a small fraction of the domain can significantly reduce the non-monotonicity of the conservative MSFV solutions.     

边坡稳定分析的非线性有限元混合解法

在对有限元强度折减法和有限元迭代解法的优缺点分析的基础上,提出了边坡稳定分析的非线性有限元混合解法,该法将有限元强度折减法和有限元迭代解法联合运用于边坡稳定分析,充分利用了两种方法的优点。即由有限元强度折减法搜索边坡可能滑动面,将可能滑动面在网格中画出,由迭代解法逐步迭代求得其滑动面的安全系数。并以算例和工程实例说明了此种方法的正确性和合理性。     

A new mixed finite element method for poro‐elasticity

Development of robust numerical solutions for poro‐elasticity is an important and timely issue in modern computational geomechanics. Recently, research in this area has seen a surge in activity, not only because of increased interest in coupled problems relevant to the petroleum industry, but also due to emerging applications of poro‐elasticity for modelling problems in biomedical engineering and materials science. In this paper, an original mixed least‐squares method for solving Biot consolidation problems is developed. The solution is obtained via minimization of a least‐squares functional, based upon the equations of equilibrium, the equations of continuity and weak forms of the constitutive relationships for elasticity and Darcy flow. The formulation involves four separate categories of unknowns: displacements, stresses, fluid pressures and velocities. Each of these unknowns is approximated by linear continuous functions. The mathematical formulation is implemented in an original computer program, written from scratch and using object‐oriented logic. The performance of the method is tested on one‐ and two‐dimensional classical problems in poro‐elasticity. The numerical experiments suggest the same rates of convergence for all four types of variables, when the same interpolation spaces are used. The continuous linear triangles show the same rates of convergence for both compressible and entirely incompressible elastic solids. This mixed formulation results in non‐oscillating fluid pressures over entire domain for different moments of time. The method appears to be naturally stable, without any need of additional stabilization terms with mesh‐dependent parameters. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Compositional flow modeling using a multi-point flux mixed finite element method

We present a general compositional formulation using multi-point flux mixed finite element (MFMFE) method on general hexahedral grids. The mixed finite element framework allows for local mass conservation, accurate flux approximation, and a more general treatment of boundary conditions. The multi-point flux inherent in MFMFE scheme allows the usage of a full permeability tensor. The proposed formulation is an extension of single and two-phase flow formulations presented by Wheeler and Yotov, SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 44(5), 2082–2106 (35) with similar convergence properties. Furthermore, the formulation allows for black oil, single-phase and multi-phase incompressible, slightly and fully compressible flow models utilizing the same design for different fluid systems. An accurate treatment of diffusive/dispersive fluxes owing to additional velocity degrees of freedom is also presented. The applications areas of interest include gas flooding, CO ₂ sequestration, contaminant removal, and groundwater remediation.     

Coupled formulation and algorithms for the simulation of non‐planar three‐dimensional hydraulic fractures using the generalized finite element method

This paper presents a coupled hydro‐mechanical formulation for the simulation of non‐planar three‐dimensional hydraulic fractures. Deformation in the rock is modeled using linear elasticity, and the lubrication theory is adopted for the fluid flow in the fracture. The governing equations of the fluid flow and elasticity and the subsequent discretization are fully coupled. A Generalized/eXtended Finite Element Method (G/XFEM) is adopted for the discretization of the coupled system of equations. A Newton–Raphson method is used to solve the resulting system of nonlinear equations. A discretization strategy for the fluid flow problem on non‐planar three‐dimensional surfaces and a computationally efficient strategy for handling time integration combined with mesh adaptivity are also presented. Several three‐dimensional numerical verification examples are solved. The examples illustrate the generality and accuracy of the proposed coupled formulation and discretization strategies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Control‐volume mixed finite element methods

A key ingredient in simulation of flow in porous media is accurate determination of the velocities that drive the flow. Large‐scale irregularities of the geology (faults, fractures, and layers) suggest the use of irregular grids in simulation. This paper presents a control‐volume mixed finite element method that provides a simple, systematic, easily implemented procedure for obtaining accurate velocity approximations on irregular (i.e., distorted logically rectangular) block‐centered quadrilateral grids. The control‐volume formulation of Darcy’s law can be viewed as a discretization into element‐sized “tanks” with imposed pressures at the ends, giving a local discrete Darcy law analogous to the block‐by‐block conservation in the usual mixed discretization of the mass‐conservation equation. Numerical results in two dimensions show second‐order convergence in the velocity, even with discontinuous anisotropic permeability on an irregular grid. The method extends readily to three dimensions.     

Low-order stabilized finite element for the full Biot formulation in soil mechanics at finite strain

This article presents a novel finite element formulation for the Biot equation using low-order elements. Additionally, an extra degree of freedom is introduced to treat the volumetric locking steaming from the effective response of the medium; its balance equation is also stabilized. The accuracy of the proposed formulation is demonstrated by means of numerical analyses.     

A finite element formulation for brine transport in rock salt

A set of coupled field equations is developed for transport of liquid brine in natural rock salt. The natural rock salt consists of individual crystals brought together so that only a portion of the crystal faces or grain boundaries contribute to the hydraulically connected pore space. Transport of brine inclusions within individual crystals is considered to be thermally driven; whereas transport along crystal interfaces or grain boundaries is considered to be pressure driven. The field equations for both transport mechanisms are developed and incorporated in a finite element program. An analytical solution to a one-dimensional boundary value problem is derived and compared to the finite element solution. An application of the finite element code to radioactive waste emplacement is briefly discussed.     

Numerical approximation of water–air two-phase flow by the mixed finite element method

A new model for two-phase flow of water and air in soil is presented. This leads to a system of two mass balance equations and two equations representing conservation of momentum of fluid and gas, respectively. This paper is concerned with the verification of this model for the special case of a rigid soil skeleton by computational experiments. Its numerical treatment is based on the Raviart–Thomas mixed finite element method combined with an implicit Euler time discretization. The feasibility of the method is illustrated for some test examples of one- and two-dimensional two-phase flow problems.     

Calculating the effective permeability of sandstone with multiscale lattice Boltzmann/finite element simulations

The lattice Boltzmann (LB) method is an efficient technique for simulating fluid flow through individual pores of complex porous media. The ease with which the LB method handles complex boundary conditions, combined with the algorithm’s inherent parallelism, makes it an elegant approach to solving flow problems at the sub-continuum scale. However, the realities of current computational resources can limit the size and resolution of these simulations. A major research focus is developing methodologies for upscaling microscale techniques for use in macroscale problems of engineering interest. In this paper, we propose a hybrid, multiscale framework for simulating diffusion through porous media. We use the finite element (FE) method to solve the continuum boundary-value problem at the macroscale. Each finite element is treated as a sub-cell and assigned permeabilities calculated from subcontinuum simulations using the LB method. This framework allows us to efficiently find a macroscale solution while still maintaining information about microscale heterogeneities. As input to these simulations, we use synchrotron-computed 3D microtomographic images of a sandstone, with sample resolution of 3.34 μm. We discuss the predictive ability of these simulations, as well as implementation issues. We also quantify the lower limit of the continuum (Darcy) scale, as well as identify the optimal representative elementary volume for the hybrid LB–FE simulations.     

Poroelastic two‐phase material modeling: theoretical formulation and embedded finite element method implementation

This paper presents the formulation of FEMs for the numerical modeling of a poroelastic two‐phase (aggregates/mixture phase) solid. The displacement and pressure fields are decomposed, following the Enhanced Assumed Strain (EAS) method, into a regular part and an enhanced part. This leads to discontinuous strain and pressure gradient fields allowing to capture the jump in mechanical and hydrical properties passing through the interface between the aggregates and the mixture phase. All these enhanced fields are treated in the context of the embedded FEM through a local enhancement of the finite element interpolations as these jumps appear. The local character of these interpolations leads after a static condensation of the enhanced fields to a problem exhibiting the same structure as common poroelastic finite element models but incorporating now the mechanical and hydrical properties of a two‐phase solid. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于非结构化有限元的三维井地电阻率法约束反演

电磁探测反演是典型的不适定问题,易造成反演结果的多解性,不适定性是反演自身固有的特征,没有求解的附加信息这一本质困难是很难克服的,解决该问题的有效方法是研究约束反演。本文采用目前较为主流的高斯牛顿—共轭梯度法(GN-CG),在反演目标函数中直接施加约束条件,将介质电阻率的取值范围作为先验信息和约束条件以外点罚函数法的方式引入到反演目标函数中,与常规三维电阻率反演目标函数相比,增加了不等式约束项的目标函数,理论上可以压制反演的多解性。通过多种理论模型的测试结果表明,本文基于不等式约束的三维井地电阻率反演算法有效地改善了反演结果的精度,以惩罚函数法施加不等式约束条件的方式是现实可行及有效的。