Finite element methods for nonlinear flows in porous media (Q795670)

A model problem is presented for fluid flow in porous media which has numerical difficulties common with many other areas of nonlinear mechanics. Special finite element techniques are described which have proved useful in alleviating many of these difficulties. A modified method of characteristics, mixed finite element methods for fluid velocities, singularity removal, and self-adaptive local grid refinement techniques are presented. Both theoretical and computational results are described, together with an indication of the present and future uses of finite element methods in large-scale reservoir simulation.