A chemo-thermo-mechanically coupled numerical simulation of the subsurface ground deformations due to methane hydrate dissociation

In order to predict ground deformations due to the dissociation of methane hydrates, we have developed a simulation method based on a chemo-thermo-mechanically coupled analysis. Within this method, the phase change from hydrates to fluids, the flow of pore water and gas, the mechanical behavior of t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computers and geotechnics 2007-07, Vol.34 (4), p.216-228
Main Authors: Kimoto, Sayuri, Oka, Fusao, Fushita, Tomohiko, Fujiwaki, Masaya
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Dissociation
Elasto-viscoplastic model
Heat
Phase change
Unsaturated soil
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Summary:In order to predict ground deformations due to the dissociation of methane hydrates, we have developed a simulation method based on a chemo-thermo-mechanically coupled analysis. Within this method, the phase change from hydrates to fluids, the flow of pore water and gas, the mechanical behavior of the solid skeleton, and heat transfer can all be simultaneously solved. The numerical method is based on the finite element method using an updated Lagrangian formulation. Applying the proposed framework, we have numerically analyzed the dissociation process that occurs in the heating and depressurizing methods of natural gas production. It has been predicted that ground deformation is caused by the generation of water and gas during the dissociation process.
ISSN:0266-352X
1873-7633
DOI:10.1016/j.compgeo.2007.02.006