Consideration of geomechanical effects in reservoir simulation for hydrocarbon field development
This paper presents a review of mathematical models and functionality for consideration of geomechanical effects during hydrocarbon field development provided by modern flow simulation software (reservoir simulators). The discussed features include variation of reservoir properties with changes in fluid pressure; modular and coupled approaches to joint simulation of fluid flow and geomechanical processes; and available options for special geomechanical effects - such as erosion or formation of new fractures and impact on characteristics of existing fractures. Possible directions for further developments in this area of reservoir simulations are underlined.