Solution of two-phase flow problems in porous media via an alternating-direction finite element method

Abstract The application of an alternating-direction finite element solution procedure to two-phase immiscible displacement problems in porous media is illustrated. This solution scheme provides for rapid solution of the discrete problem, due to the narrow banded matrices involved, with an accuracy which is comparable to that of standard finite element approximations. The governing partial differential equations for immiscible two-phase porous media flow are given and their discretization, via a Laplace-modified time stepping scheme, is presented. Iterative improvement of the time stepping scheme is also considered and numerical examples are provided which demonstrate the saving in computational time which can be achieved.

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