PyDFN3D

PyDFN3D simulates steady-state fluid flow in three-dimensional Discrete Fracture Networks (DFNs) using a Boundary Element Method and parallel domain decomposition to model flow within fractures and wellbores.

Key Features:

• Boundary Element Method (BEM) with discontinuous quadratic elements: discretizes fracture surfaces using discontinuous quadratic boundary elements.
• Parallel Domain Decomposition Method (DDM): employs a parallel DDM for domain decomposition and solver convergence acceleration.
• Steady-state fluid flow in 3D DFNs including wellbores: models steady-state hydraulic behavior in complex 3D DFNs and explicitly includes wellbore intersections.
• Planar fractures with arbitrary properties and varying wellbore trajectories: represents planar fractures with arbitrary properties and supports varying wellbore trajectories.
• Efficiency relative to FEM: attains accurate solutions with fewer nodes compared to mesh-based Finite Element Method (FEM) approaches.
• Intersection validation: tested for accuracy on intersections among traces, trace–fracture-boundary intersections, and wellbore intersections.
• Numerical examples of increasing complexity: evaluates method performance using numerical examples of progressively greater complexity.

Scientific Applications:

• Hydraulic fracturing: modeling fluid flow and pressure distribution within fracture networks during hydraulic fracturing operations.
• Oil and gas production: simulating fracture-mediated flow relevant to hydrocarbon recovery from fractured reservoirs.
• Geothermal energy extraction: representing fluid circulation and heat transport in fractured geothermal reservoirs.
• Nuclear waste disposal: assessing fluid movement through fractured rock relevant to radionuclide transport and repository safety.
• CO2 sequestration: modeling CO2 migration and storage behavior in fractured geological formations.

Methodology:

Uses a Boundary Element Method with discontinuous quadratic elements combined with a parallel Domain Decomposition Method to solve steady-state flow in 3D DFNs with planar fractures and wellbores, evaluated via numerical examples of increasing complexity and tests on trace, trace–boundary, and wellbore intersections.