Fluid Flow in Porous Media and Related Rock Mechanics Problems

The equations used to describe fluid flow in reservoirs are usually worked out without taking rock deformations directly into account. Indeed these de formations are included by correcting the compressibility of the fluid. On the basis of coupled equa tions for rock deformations and fluid flow, this paper analyzes the rock mechanics aspects of the diffusivity equatinn used by reservoir engineering specialists. The paper emphasizes the corresponding restrictive assumptions. It then goes on to explain the effective computing of rock deformations and fluid flow by iteration between a mechanical model of the de formable medium and a flow model.