Finite Element Analysis of Crossing Flow in an Intersected Fracture by Penalty Function Formulation

On the basis of Navier-Stokes equation, a digital analogue of crossing flow is carried out by means of finiteelement analysis performed through penalty function formulation. The results of the digital analogue are ingood agreement with that of the previous hydraulic physical simulation. They both demonstrate the effect of"deflection flow" occurring at the fracture intersection that the fracture-water crossing flow deflects △q intothe wide fracture.

Finite Element Analysis of Crossing Flow in an Intersected Fracture by Penalty Function Formulation

Abstract On the basis of Navier-Stokes equation, a digital analogue of crossing flow is carried out by means of finite element analysis performed through penalty function formulation. The results of the digital analogue are in good agreement with that of the previous hydraulic physical simulation. They both demonstrate the effect of “deflection flow” occurring at the fracture intersection that the fracture- water crossing flow deflects Δq into the wide fracture.