Hybrid Finite Volume Discretization of Linear Elasticity Models on General Meshes

Abstract

This paper presents a new discretization scheme for linear elasticity models using only one degree of freedom per face corresponding to the normal component of the displacement. The scheme is based on a piecewise constant gradient construction and a discrete variational formulation for the displacement field. The tangential components of the displacement field are eliminated using a second order linear interpolation. Our main motivation is the coupling of geomechanical models and porous media flows arising in reservoir or CO2 storage simulations. Our scheme guarantees by construction the compatibility condition between the displacement discretization and the usual cell centered finite volume discretization of the Darcy flow model. In addition it applies on general meshes possibly non conforming such as Corner Point Geometries commonly used in reservoir and CO2 storage simulations. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.