A sequential implicit discrete fracture model for three-dimensional coupled flow-geomechanics problems in naturally fractured porous media

A sequential implicit numerical method based on discrete-fracture model and the Galerkin Finite Element method, for time-dependent coupled fluid flow and geomechanics problems in fractured subsurface formations is presented. Discrete-fracture model has been used to explicitly represent the fracture network inside porous media. The Galerkin Finite Element method with adaptive unstructured gridding is implemented to numerically solve the spatially three-dimensional and time-dependent problem. The presented method is validated with previously obtained solutions. Two problems are numerically solved by applying the presented methodology in a three-dimensional fractured petroleum reservoir under different production and injection conditions. The modeling results demonstrate that changes in fracture aperture and permeability due to geomechanical stress, have a significant impact on well performance and production rate in fractured reservoirs.