Geomechanical Simulator Boundary Condition Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating in situ stress fields in geological environments are often inaccurate due to the sparsity of measurements and the manual, labor-intensive process of defining boundary conditions for geomechanical simulators, leading to uncertain results.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses a geomechanical model, measurements of geological attributes, and constraints related to a yield criterion to determine an optimal boundary condition set for a geomechanical simulator, optimizing consistency with measurements and respecting constraints to derive a more accurate stress field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If measurements are performed sparsely in the geological environment, then the measurement cost and complexity are reduced, but the accuracy and reliability of stress field estimation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a geomechanical simulator as an intermediary between sparse measurements and stress field estimation. The simulator uses physics-based models to interpolate and extrapolate stress fields from limited measurement points, effectively bridging the gap between sparse data and comprehensive stress field characterization without requiring dense measurement networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurements throughout the geological environment with a computational mechanics approach. Instead of physically measuring stress at numerous locations, the system uses a geomechanical model with boundary conditions and physics-based simulations to compute the stress field, substituting physical measurement infrastructure with computational analysis
2Adaptability or versatility
If boundary conditions are defined manually for the geomechanical simulator, then the process is flexible and adaptable to specific cases, but the time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated boundary condition determination system that performs self-service by selecting and applying appropriate boundary conditions without manual intervention. The system automatically processes geological data, identifies relevant boundary conditions based on the specific geological context, and configures them for the geomechanical simulator, thereby eliminating manual labor while maintaining adaptability to different geological scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms boundary condition definition from a manual procedural task to an automated parameter-based process. By representing boundary conditions as configurable parameters that can be automatically determined from geological data and model characteristics, the system enables rapid adaptation to different cases through parameter adjustment rather than manual reconfiguration
3Measurement precision
If the boundary condition set is manually optimized to match measurements, then the consistency with available data improves, but the process becomes tedious and the results remain uncertain due to data sparsity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the geomechanical simulator continuously compares simulated measurements with actual field measurements, and automatically adjusts boundary conditions to minimize discrepancies. This closed-loop feedback system iteratively optimizes boundary conditions based on measurement consistency, automatically resolving the trade-off between data matching and process complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
It is proposed a method which comprises providing a geomechanical model of the geological environment, measurements of a first geological attribute each performed at a respective first position of the geological environment, constraints on a second geological attribute related to a yield criterion and each assigned to a respective second position of the geological environment, and a geomechanical simulator. The method also comprises determining the stress field derivable from the data outputted by the geomechanical simulator taking as input the geomechanical model and an optimal set of one or more boundary conditions. This provides an improved solution for estimating in situ stress field of a geological environment.