Multiscale simulations for upscaled multi-continuum flows (Q2306409)

Complex fluid flow simulations in porous medium are based on the concept of dual continua, or more generally, multi-continua. In such heterogeneous media, the simulation of flow is challenging, due to complex multiscale media possessing multi-continuum background. To overcome the limits of homogenization techniques, the authors follow the generalized multiscale finite element method (GMsFEM) strategy coupled with the dual-continuum homogenized equations. A dual-continuum GMsFEM is proposed to effectively solve a homogenized system of two equations (for fluid flow pressures), which are coupled via some interaction terms, taking into account the flow transports within each continuum and between the dual continua. Each continuum is assumed to be globally a system, which is connected to the other throughout the domain and the form of coupling. For this a dual-continuum system, the multiscale flow is simulated by the GMsFEM, whereas multiscale basis functions are constructed for the dual-continuum equations, separately for each equation (uncoupled GMsFEM), or jointly for the system (coupled GMsFEM). The convergence analysis is presented for the uncoupled and coupled multiscale basis of the GMsFEM. For each case, the reference weak solution is compared with the coarse-grid multiscale solution. The numerical solutions are obtained with both uncoupled and coupled multiscale basis functions, combining the GMsFEM with the multi-continuum approach. The numerical results show that the combination of the GMsFEM and dual-continuum approach produce solutions with high efficiency and accuracy.