Local-global splitting for spatiotemporal-adaptive multiscale methods

We present a novel spatiotemporal-adaptive Multiscale Finite Volume (MsFV) method, which is based on the natural idea that the global coarse-scale problem has longer characteristic time than the local fine-scale problems. As a consequence, the global problem can be solved with larger time steps than the local problems. In contrast to the pressure-transport splitting usually employed in the standard MsFV approach, we propose to start directly with a local-global splitting that allows to locally retain the original degree of coupling. This is crucial for highly non-linear systems or in the presence of physical instabilities. To obtain an accurate and efficient algorithm, we devise new adaptive criteria for global update that are based on changes of coarse-scale quantities rather than on fine-scale quantities, as it is routinely done before in the adaptive MsFV method. By means of a complexity analysis we show that the adaptive approach gives a noticeable speed-up with respect to the standard MsFV algorithm. In particular, it is efficient in case of large upscaling factors, which is important for multiphysics problems. Based on the observation that local time stepping acts as a smoother, we devise a self-correcting algorithm which incorporates the information from previous times to improve the quality of the multiscale approximation. We present results of multiphase flow simulations both for Darcy-scale and multiphysics (hybrid) problems, in which a local pore-scale description is combined with a global Darcy-like description. The novel spatiotemporal-adaptive multiscale method based on the local-global splitting is not limited to porous media flow problems, but it can be extended to any system described by a set of conservation equations

The LifeV library: engineering mathematics beyond the proof of concept

LifeV is a library for the finite element (FE) solution of partial differential equations in one, two, and three dimensions. It is written in C++ and designed to run on diverse parallel architectures, including cloud and high performance computing facilities. In spite of its academic research nature, meaning a library for the development and testing of new methods, one distinguishing feature of LifeV is its use on real world problems and it is intended to provide a tool for many engineering applications. It has been actually used in computational hemodynamics, including cardiac mechanics and fluid-structure interaction problems, in porous media, ice sheets dynamics for both forward and inverse problems. In this paper we give a short overview of the features of LifeV and its coding paradigms on simple problems. The main focus is on the parallel environment which is mainly driven by domain decomposition methods and based on external libraries such as MPI, the Trilinos project, HDF5 and ParMetis. Dedicated to the memory of Fausto Saleri.Comment: Review of the LifeV Finite Element librar

Reactive Flows in Deformable, Complex Media

Many processes of highest actuality in the real life are described through systems of equations posed in complex domains. Of particular interest is the situation when the domain is variable, undergoing deformations that depend on the unknown quantities of the model. Such kind of problems are encountered as mathematical models in the subsurface, or biological systems. Such models include various processes at different scales, and the key issue is to integrate the domain deformation in the multi-scale context. Having this as the background theme, this workshop focused on novel techniques and ideas in the analysis, the numerical discretization and the upscaling of such problems, as well as on applications of major societal relevance today

Une méthode mixte multi-échelles pour un simulateur de réservoir biphasé

A multiscale hybrid mixed finite element method is presented in this paper to solve two-phase flow equations on heterogeneous media under the effect of gravitational segregation. It is designed to cope with the complex geometry and inherent multiscale nature of the rocks, leading to stable and accurate multi-physics reservoir simulations. This multiscale approach makes use of coarse scale fluxes between subregions (macro domains) that allow to reduce substantially the dominant computational costs associated with the flux/pressure kernel embedded in the numerical model. As such, larger scale problems can be approximated in a reasonable computational time. Dividing the problems into macro domains leads to a hierarchy of meshes and approximation spaces, allowing the efficient use of static condensation and parallel computation strategies. The method documented in this work utilizes discretizations based on a general domain partition formed by poly-hedral subregions. The normal flux between these subregions is associated with a finite dimensional trace space. The global system to be solved for the fluxes and pressures is expressed only in terms of the trace variables and of a piecewise constant pressure associated with each subregion. The fine scale features are resolved by mixed finite element approximations using fine flux and pressure representations inside each subregion, and the trace variable (i.e. normal flux) as Neumann boundary conditions. This property implies that the flux approximation is globally H(div)-conforming, and, as in classical mixed formulations, local mass conservation is observed at the micro-scale elements inside the subregions, an essential property for flows in heterogeneous media

Adaptive time-splitting scheme for two-phase flow in heterogeneous porous media

In the present paper, an adaptive time-splitting scheme is introduced to investigate the problem of two-phase flow in heterogeneous porous media. The pressure and saturation equations are coupled by the capillary pressure which is linearized in terms of saturation. An IMplicit Pressure Explicit Saturation scheme is used to solve the problem under consideration. We use the time schemes for the pressure and saturation equations. The external time interval is divided into two levels, the first level is for the pressure, the second one is for the saturation. This method can reduce the computational cost arisen from the implicit solution of the pressure equation and the rapid changes in saturation. The time-step size for saturation equation is adaptive under computing and satisfying the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL<1) condition. In order to show the well performance of the suggested scheme, we introduce a numerical example of a highly heterogeneous porous medium. The adaptive time step-size is shown in graphs as well as the water saturation is shown in contours.Cited as: El-Amin, M., Kou, J., Sun, S., et al. Adaptive time-splitting scheme for two-phase flow in heterogeneous porous media. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2017, 1(3): 182-189, doi: 10.26804/ager.2017.03.0

Multiscale simulation of injection-induced fracture slip and wing-crack propagation in poroelastic media

In fractured poroelastic media under high differential stress, the shearing of fractures and faults and the corresponding propagation of wing cracks can be induced by fluid injection. Focusing on low-pressure stimulation with fluid pressures below the minimum principal stress but above the threshold required to overcome the fracture's frictional resistance to slip, this paper presents a mathematical model and a numerical solution approach for coupling fluid flow with fracture shearing and propagation. Numerical challenges are related to the strong coupling between hydraulic and mechanical processes, the material discontinuity the fractures represent in the medium, the wide range of spatial scales involved, and the strong effect that fracture deformation and propagation have on the physical processes. The solution approach is based on a multiscale strategy. In the macroscale model, flow in and poroelastic deformation of the matrix are coupled with the flow in the fractures and fracture contact mechanics, allowing fractures to frictionally slide. Fracture propagation is handled at the microscale, where the maximum tangential stress criterion triggers the propagation of fractures, and Paris' law governs the fracture growth processes. Simulations show how the shearing of a fracture due to fluid injection is linked to fracture propagation, including cases with hydraulically and mechanically interacting fractures

SOLID-SHELL FINITE ELEMENT MODELS FOR EXPLICIT SIMULATIONS OF CRACK PROPAGATION IN THIN STRUCTURES

Crack propagation in thin shell structures due to cutting is conveniently simulated using explicit finite element approaches, in view of the high nonlinearity of the problem. Solidshell elements are usually preferred for the discretization in the presence of complex material behavior and degradation phenomena such as delamination, since they allow for a correct representation of the thickness geometry. However, in solid-shell elements the small thickness leads to a very high maximum eigenfrequency, which imply very small stable time-steps. A new selective mass scaling technique is proposed to increase the time-step size without affecting accuracy. New ”directional” cohesive interface elements are used in conjunction with selective mass scaling to account for the interaction with a sharp blade in cutting processes of thin ductile shells