Geomechanical Modeling Data Conversion via Spatial Domain Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geomechanical modeling requires efficient data conversion from finite difference grids to finite element meshes to accurately model subterranean formations, as existing methods struggle to align and adapt data structures effectively, leading to inconsistencies in node locations and property values.
Innovation Solution
The method involves aligning finite difference grid data and finite element mesh data by identifying spatial domains for each mesh node location, weighting FD grid values based on distance, and averaging them to generate FE mesh values, ensuring accurate representation of subterranean formation properties for geomechanical modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If finite difference grid data is directly used for finite element modeling, then data structure simplicity is maintained, but accuracy of geomechanical modeling deteriorates due to misalignment between node locations and spatial domains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary data conversion process that acts as a mediator between finite difference grid data and finite element mesh data. This intermediary process includes aligning reference locations, mapping spatial domains, and interpolating property values to bridge the structural differences between the two data formats, thereby enabling accurate geomechanical modeling without direct compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The data conversion process is segmented into distinct sequential steps: (1) aligning reference locations between FD and FE data structures, (2) identifying and mapping spatial domains for each mesh node, (3) selecting appropriate FD grid values within each spatial domain, and (4) interpolating property values. This segmentation makes the complex conversion process manageable and systematic
2Manufacturing precision
If finite difference grid data is converted to finite element mesh data through alignment and spatial domain mapping, then accuracy of property representation is improved, but computational time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment of reference locations between the finite difference grid and finite element mesh before the actual data conversion. This preliminary action establishes a consistent coordinate system and reference framework in advance, which streamlines the subsequent spatial domain mapping and property value interpolation processes, reducing overall computational time
3Reliability
If existing data conversion methods are used, then processing speed is maintained, but reliability of geomechanical analysis deteriorates due to inconsistencies in node locations and property values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism in the data conversion process where the system continuously verifies the alignment between finite difference grid nodes and finite element mesh nodes. The spatial domain mapping process provides feedback to ensure that property values are correctly interpolated and assigned, maintaining consistency and reliability throughout the conversion process
Data Source
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Figure 2C
AI summary
Systems, methods, and software relating to geomechanical modeling of a subterranean region. In some aspects, finite difference (FD) grid data and finite element (FE) mesh data are received. The FD grid data include FD grid node locations and FD grid values. The FD grid values include values of a subterranean formation property for each FD grid node location. The FE mesh data include FE mesh node locations and spatial domains for each of the FE mesh node locations. Values of the subterranean formation property are generated for each of the FE mesh node locations. The value for a given FE mesh node location is generated based on the FD grid values for FD grid node locations within the spatial domain about the given FE mesh node location. The generated values are assigned to the FE mesh node locations of the FE mesh data for geomechanical modeling of the subterranean region.