Hydro-mechanical Coupling and Flow in XSite

  • Fluid flow and mechanical simulations can be done separately or coupled
  • The fluid flow is approximated by a flow through a network of pipes that connect fluid elements, located at the centers of either broken springs or springs intersected by pre-existing joints
  • The flow pipe network is dynamic and automatically updated by connecting newly formed micro-cracks to the existing flow network
  • Non-steady fluid flow is modeled within the joint network and intact rock, maintaining continuity of fluid mass and pressures between joints and the rock matrix
  • Effective stress calculations are carried out
  • Fracture permeability depends on aperture, or on the deformation of the solid model
  • Fluid pressure affects both deformation and the strength of the solid model
  • The deformation of the solid model affects the fluid pressures (i.e., fluid pressure changes under undrained conditions)
  • Includes logic for simulation of proppant transport and placement
  • Newtonian and power-law fluid flow available
  • Non-Darcy effects and pressure drop at perforation clusters are possible
  • Represents leakoff explicitly, as flow into DFN and porous medium flow into rock matrix, or as Carter leakoff
XSite Updates

Latest News
  • Itasca has announced the release of FLAC2D v9 Itasca has announced the release of FLAC2D v9, revolutionizing the way we analyze and predict...
    Read More
  • 6th Itasca Symposium on Applied Numerical Modeling The next Itasca Symposium will take place June 3 - 6, 2024, in Toronto, Canada....
    Read More
  • Itasca International Inc. announces the Selection of its New CEO Itasca International Inc. announces the Selection of its New CEO ...
    Read More

Upcoming Events
18 Apr
Python in Itasca Software
... Read More
29 May
Getting Started with FLAC2D/FLAC3D
Objectives of the training: •Understand the FLAC2D/ FLAC3D numerical approach and the types ofproblems it can solve•Know how to manipul... Read More
5 Jun
IMAT Workshop
ITASCA is launching IMAT (Itasca's Mining Analysis Toolbox) our groundbreaking software tailored exclusively for underground and open p... Read More