A finite-element method for coupled stress and fluid flow analysis in fractured rock masses

A variational principle is used in conjunction with the finite-element method to solve the nonlinear coupled field equations of the initial boundary value problem of flow in deformable fractured rock masses. This results in a powerful method for modeling of coupled stress and fluid flow behavior of rocks. Both stress and deformation history for both solid and liquid phases, for arbitrary boundary conditions and within complex geometrical configuration, can be determined. Direct application is to fluid flow problems in hydraulically fractured reservoirs and naturally fractured rocks.