RESPONSE OF FRACTURED ROCK SUBJECT TO FLUID INJECTION .1. DEVELOPMENT OF A NUMERICAL-MODEL

The selection and development of a numerical model used to investigate the response of fractured rock to injection are described. The Distinct Element method was chosen on the basis of its ability to represent explicitly the fractures and to couple the mechanical deformation to the fluid flow. The numerical model was used to simulate fluid injection from a single well into each of four basic model reservoirs. The results of these simulations form the basis of the interpretation given in parts II and III. © 1990.