Finite element mesh for complex flow simulation

Numerical modelling using appropriate computation grids is an important contribution to the understanding and forecasting of flow behavior, and management of groundwater. An optimal grid representing complex geologic volumes and surfaces is of interest for flow and transport computation. This paper contributes to the development of finite grids that maintain the geometric integrity of input surfaces, and geologic data and produce an optimal triangular grid that can be used for flow and transport simulations. The method proposed, implemented in PGFM tool, consists of generating grids for two dimensional cross sections, represents faults and fractures, for three-dimensional fractured media, and has the capability of including finer grids. Furthermore, the method regularizes complexities existing at various scales in the geological media by projecting the complex configurations into a Cartesian regular grid. Critical configurations are then relaxed to provide an optimal grid. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.