Simulation and performance characteristics of rock with borehole using Visual Finite Element Analysis

Mohammed Mnzool¹, Ahmed Al-Mukhtar^2,3, Amani J. Majeed⁴, Ahmed Arafat^1,5, Ehab Gomaa ^1,5

¹Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia

²Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Weimar, Germany

³Al-Hussain University College, Karbala, Iraq

⁴University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq

⁵5 Suez University, Suez, Egypt

Min. miner. depos. 2024, 18(3):33-41

https://doi.org/10.33271/mining18.03.033

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ABSTRACT

Purpose. This study aims to investigate fluid flow and heat transfer within rocks containing boreholes, focusing on the complex mechanisms within hot reservoirs. Non-commercial finite element (FE) software is used to visualize and present the results.

Methods. The study involved the use of FE method with Visual Finite Element Analysis (VisualFEA) software to analyze the coupled phenomena of fluid flow and heat transfer in a rock sample. Special attention was given to incorporating material structure and geotechnical analysis in the software, as well as the treatment of cracked elements. In addition, the validation was done by comparing the current numerical solution using VisualFEA with the numerical solution using ANSYS Software.

Findings. The study findings highlight the capabilities of VisualFEA software to accurately represent fluid flow, stress, and heat transfer in borehole-containing rocks. The results include insights into flow direction within the borehole, temperature distribution, and the validation of the software performance against expected system behavior. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of VisualFEA in handling complex loading and its ability to visualize multiple flow directions within a 2D model. The results are presented in the form of contours and curves.

Originality. This study contributes to the field demonstrating the application of VisualFEA software in analyzing fluid flow and heat transfer in rocks with boreholes. The focus on incorporating material structure, geotechnical analysis, and treatment of cracked elements adds originality to the study, providing a comprehensive understanding of the coupled phenomena in hot reservoirs.

Practical implications. The practical significance of this study is in the validation and benchmarking of VisualFEA software for studying fluid flow and heat transfer in geotechnical application. The findings can be utilized by geotechnical engineers and researchers to better understand the behavior of borehole-containing rocks under specific pressure and thermal loading conditions. The insights gained from this study can be used in decision-making processes related to resource mining, reservoir engineering, and geothermal energy use.

Keywords: coupled simulation, fracture, rock mechanics, transient analysis, VisualFEA

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