Universal Journal of Geoscience Vol. 5(3), pp. 73 - 82
DOI: 10.13189/ujg.2017.050304
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Mathematical Modeling of the Thermomechanical Effect of Geofluid on Fracture Walls

R. R. Koon Koon ^1,*, L. Ufondu ^2
1 Department of Physics, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica
² Department of Civil and Geological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

ABSTRACT

The paper focuses on a mathematical perspective to the behaviour of fractured systems due to the thermo-mechanical effects of geofluid. The research was built on the foundation of other pre-existing work, specifically the concept of considering the fracture as a thick-walled cylinder. The paper presents a novel approach at investigation into a micro-scale realm of fractures from which areas within the rock matrix exhibiting maximum thermal deformation are attained. Hence the thermo-mechanical response of a system can predictively be determined through the applications of the mathematical model. Solutions to the mathematical model are acquired through well core data by the AccuMap software. This generates the extent of deformation of fracture paths at different depth ranges within the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Therefore the deformation distribution maps serve as a preliminary tool for investigating the response of formations to fluid flow. In addition, these maps can be coupled with heat flow and hydraulic maps for an enhanced method of determining site locations for greater output of the reservoir through injection and production wells. The area of interest within the depth range 2500m-3000m yields a region of high deformation West of Estevan, localized southwards along the Williston Basin.

KEYWORDS
Mathematical Modeling, Geomechanical, Thermal Strain, Deformation Maps

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] R. R. Koon Koon , L. Ufondu , "Mathematical Modeling of the Thermomechanical Effect of Geofluid on Fracture Walls," Universal Journal of Geoscience, Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 73 - 82, 2017. DOI: 10.13189/ujg.2017.050304.

(b). APA Format:
R. R. Koon Koon , L. Ufondu (2017). Mathematical Modeling of the Thermomechanical Effect of Geofluid on Fracture Walls. Universal Journal of Geoscience, 5(3), 73 - 82. DOI: 10.13189/ujg.2017.050304.