Fluid effects in sand production simulations coupling DEM with CFD

Abstract

Sand production around a wellbore is here simulated using a three dimensional numerical model based on Discrete Element Method (DEM) coupled with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The model is calibrated against a well-known poro-elastoplastic analytical solution for the dry case, and later applied on hydrostatic conditions, at different levels of pore pressure and effective stress. The outcomes of the numerical model are examined and compared with the response predicted by the analytical solution. The microscopic asymmetry of the numerical model and the damping effect of the drag force are found to play a large role in the response.