Three-dimensional finite/infinite elements analysis of fluid flow in porous media

Fluid flow in naturally fractured porous media can always be regarded as an unbounded domain problem and be better solved by finite/infinite elements. In this paper, a three-dimensional two-direction mapped infinite element is generated and combined with conventional finite elements and one direction infinite element to simulate poroelasticity. Therefore, the entire semi-infinite domain can be included in the numerical analysis. Both single- and dual-porosity porous media are considered. For the purpose of validation, we compare the results of finite/infinite elements with those of finite elements under two extreme boundary conditions. The comparison indicated that mapped infinite element is an appropriate approach to model fluid flow in porous media and provides an intermediate solution.