Methodology for the nonlinear coupled multi‐physics simulation of mineral dissolution

Abstract

This article presents a numerical methodology for the simulation of mineral dissolution which couples brine flow, dissolved mineral transport, and cavity evolution. The proposed model considers both (1) the varying density brine flow within the cavity governed by the compressible Navier‐Stokes equations and (2) the evolution of the cavity boundary using a sharp interface model with a physically‐derived dissolution rate equation. The proposed nonlinear multi‐physics model can capture complex flow patterns such as the generation of a vortex in the cavity. The impact of those complex flow patterns on the cavity development can be studied because of the coupling of brine flow and dissolution front movement. The model employs a new strategy to explicitly track the dissolution front, which results in low computational cost for long‐term dissolution simulations. The proposed model is verified through a convergence analysis, showing both spatial and temporal convergence. Numerical simulations of mineral dissolution in horizontal cavities are conducted to investigate the flow velocity, mass fraction of dissolved mineral, cavity shape evolution, and dissolution rate over time. Additionally, a discussion on the effect of Peclet number on mineral dissolution in the cavity is undertaken.

Pore‐Scale Modeling of Reactive Transport with Coupled Mineral Dissolution and Precipitation

“…The velocity u| Γ is the fluid velocity at the interface, while U Γ is the interface velocity due to mineral dissolution-precipitation. We note that the two velocities u| Γ and U Γ should be distinguished (L. Li et al, 2021), and they both contribute to the mass conservation Equation 3a. The fluid velocity is non-zero when there is an overall volumetric change after mineral dissolution-precipitation.…”

A phase‐field approach for compaction band formation due to grain crushing

“…Additionally, we couple phase-field with modified Cam-Clay (MCC) plasticity to describe the inelastic mechanical behavior during compaction band formation. We note that the proposed model focuses only on compaction bands induced by grain crushing, and the effects of other mechanisms such as chemical dissolution, 60 degree of saturation, [61][62][63] and creep [64][65][66] are not considered in this study. Subsequently, we demonstrate the ability of the model to capture both pure compaction and shear-enhanced compaction bands, as well as different macroscopic styles of compaction bands observed in the field.…”