A Nested Approach for Simulating Flows in Complex Fractures Networks

Flow in fractured reservoirs occurs preferentially in the fractures, supposed to be very permeable with regard to the matrix permeability. However, the statistical weight of fractures in term of porosity is weak with regard to that of the matrix: the fluids are thus mainly stored in the porous matrix, while flowing preferentially via the connected fractures. We thus have to study flows in media possessing hydraulic characteristics strongly influenced by elements of very weak volume [3].