Stratigraphic Grid Vertex Displacement for Geological Fault Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computerized tools for generating stratigraphic grids often produce inaccurate models, especially when dealing with faults intersecting in complex patterns, leading to degenerated and distorted cells that result in less-than-optimal geological modeling and simulation outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transforming an input stratigraphic grid by displacing target vertices to approximate a local tangent of the reference horizon, using a non-Euclidean distance metric to orient the displacement towards geological discontinuities, thereby smoothing stair-step approximations of geological discontinuities and resolving contradictions in the grid representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional tools are used to generate stratigraphic grids, then the grid can be produced quickly, but the model accuracy deteriorates due to degenerated and distorted cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing vertex displacement transformations on the stratigraphic grid before simulation. The method identifies target vertices near geological discontinuities and displaces them along calculated vectors to smooth stair-step approximations, thereby preventing the formation of degenerated cells before they occur during simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters of the grid by displacing target vertices along vectors determined by non-Euclidean distance metrics. This transforms the grid geometry to better approximate geological discontinuities, improving model accuracy while maintaining grid integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If stair-step approximation is used to model faults, then the grid structure is maintained, but the geological accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the angular stair-step approximation with smooth curved transitions. Vertex displacement vectors are calculated to move grid vertices along curved paths that better approximate the continuous nature of geological discontinuities, eliminating sharp angles and improving geological realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary vertex displacement to smooth the stair-step approximation before simulation. By pre-transforming the grid to have smoother fault representations, the patent improves both geological accuracy and simulation reliability without requiring complex simulation adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If vertices are displaced to smooth stair-step approximations, then geological accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing vertex displacement operations only on target vertices near geological discontinuities rather than the entire grid. The method identifies and processes only those vertices that contribute to stair-step approximations, leaving the rest of the grid unchanged and reducing overall computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformation algorithm uses the grid's own geometric properties to determine displacement vectors. By calculating vectors based on local vertex positions and non-Euclidean distance metrics derived from the grid structure itself, the method avoids requiring external complex transformation data or iterative optimization processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transforming an input stratigraphic grid SGrid which represents a region including one or more geological discontinuities is now disclosed. At least one target cell that is local to one or more geological discontinuities is transformed by displacing at least one target vertex of the target cell of the input SGrid in a selected direction that: i) is selected to approximate a local tangent of the reference horizon; and ii) is oriented from the target vertex to a representative manifold representing one of the geological discontinuities and/or an intersection between two or more of the geological discontinuities. A magnitude of a displacement by which the target vertex is moved is determined according to a non-Euclidian distance between the target vertex of the target cell of the input SGrid and the representative manifold.