NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF 3-D THERMAL FIELDS FROM GOCAD GEOLOGICAL MODELS

@inproceedings{AndenmattenRM2003,
 abstract = { In a recently started project the geothermal potential in Switzerland should be assessed and evaluated. In contrast to earlier evaluations, now the full 3D geological and topographical context should be accounted for and its thermal impact should be quantified. Both topics are targeted by combining the geological modeling software GOCAD with the numerical Finite Element package FRACTure. By a new developed interface GOCAD’s SGrid (hexahedral blocks) and TSOLID (tetrahedrons) were transferred into the numerical scheme. Tetrahedral models allow discretizating more complex and discontinuous geological structures. First results were obtained from a well-documented area in Northern Switzerland. A structural model was build with GOCAD on data from numerous boreholes and interpreted seismic profiles covering an area of more than 2000 km2 . The geological model accounted for discontinuities such as fault and trough structures as well as multi-sedimentary covers and crystalline basement. The numerical model allows simulating the diffusiveadvective thermal field and to quantify the significance of natural-driven fluid flow. The derived tetrahedral model has proven to be mesh consistent. Several models have been built with different sizes and refinement. Using FRACTure first diffusive-advective simulations could be achieved in regional and local models from Northern Switzerland. The application of GOCAD and FRACTure provide a powerful tool to determine and manage geothermal resources for an area. },
 author = { Andenmatten, Nathalie AND Kohl, Thomas },
 booktitle = { 23th gOcad Meeting },
 month = { "june" },
 publisher = { ASGA },
 title = { NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF 3-D THERMAL FIELDS FROM GOCAD GEOLOGICAL MODELS },
 year = { 2003 }
}