Fluid flow and mechanical simulations can be done separately or coupled
The fluid flow is approximated by a flow through a network of pipes that connect fluid elements, located at the centers of either broken springs or springs intersected by pre-existing joints
The flow pipe network is dynamic and automatically updated by connecting newly formed micro-cracks to the existing flow network
Non-steady fluid flow is modeled within the joint network and intact rock, maintaining continuity of fluid mass and pressures between joints and the rock matrix
Effective stress calculations are carried out
Fracture permeability depends on aperture, or on the deformation of the solid model
Fluid pressure affects both deformation and the strength of the solid model
The deformation of the solid model affects the fluid pressures (i.e., fluid pressure changes under undrained conditions)
Includes logic for simulation of proppant transport and placement
Newtonian and power-law fluid flow available
Non-Darcy effects and pressure drop at perforation clusters are possible
Represents leakoff explicitly, as flow into DFN and porous medium flow into rock matrix, or as Carter leakoff

Software Products

Hydro-mechanical Coupling and Flow in XSite