| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-2.4-0084 |
| Title of Abstract | Coupled Thermal¿Hydrological¿Mechanical Modeling of Fractured Media for Sustainable Energy Recovery |
| Authors | Priti Das*, Dr. Shib Sankar Ganguly, Dr. Niptika Jana |
| Organisation | IIT (ISM) Dhanbad |
| Address | Rosaline Hostel Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India Pincode: 826004 E-mail: 23mc0061@iitism.ac.in |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | A coupled flow¿geomechanics framework has been developed to simulate the complex thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) behaviour of low-permeability subsurface formations. This approach captures the interactions between fluid flow, heat transport, and rock deformation which are key processes in applications like geothermal energy production, CO₂ sequestration, and nuclear waste disposal. Fluid injections or extractions change pore pressure, influencing the stress field, while temperature variations cause thermal expansion or contraction of the rock matrix. These mechanical changes, in turn, alter porosity and permeability, feeding back into how fluids and heat move through the reservoir. The model integrates governing equations for heat conduction, fluid flow, and solid deformation, incorporating mass and energy conservation, Darcy¿s law, and mechanical equilibrium. A finite element framework is used to solve the coupled system. To accurately represent reservoir heterogeneity, discrete fractures are explicitly modelled within a dual-porosity approach, allowing for more realistic simulation of flow and stress behaviour. The modelling approach was built incrementally, starting from a simplified hydro-thermal model used for benchmarking pressure, temperature, and Darcy velocity changes over time. Building on this foundation, work is currently ongoing to develop a 2D fully coupled THM prototype that captures feedback mechanisms between fluid pressure, thermal effects, and mechanical stress redistribution. This model is intended to enable more integrated simulations of heat recovery processes once fully established. By combining discrete fracture representation with a fully coupled THM model, this study presents a robust method for analysing fractured, low-permeability geothermal reservoirs. The results highlight the importance of adopting a Multiphysics framework to understand reservoir behaviour and guide the design of sustainable, long-term energy extraction strategies. |
| Keywords | Coupled THM Modelling, Geomechanics, Dual-Porosity, Fractured Media |