A 2D coupled hydro-thermal model for the combined finite-discrete element method

Abstract

Based on the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM), a two-dimensional coupled hydro-thermal model is proposed. This model can simulate fluid flow and heat transfer in rock masses with arbitrary complex fracture networks. The model consists of three parts: a heat conduction model of the rock matrix, a heat-transfer model of the fluid in the fracture (including the heat conduction and convection of fluid), and a heat exchange model between the fluid and rock at the fracture surface. Three examples with analytical solutions are given to verify the correctness of the coupled model. Finally, the coupled model is applied to hydro-thermal coupling simulations of a rock mass with a fracture network. The temperature field evolution, the effect of thermal conductivity of the rock matrix thermal conductivity and the fracture aperture on the outlet temperature are studied. The coupled model presented in this paper will enable the application of FDEM to study rock rupture driven by the effect of hydro-thermo-mechanical coupling in geomaterials such as in geothermal systems, petroleum engineering, environmental engineering and nuclear waste geological storage.