Software

MAFIC Software Information

Mafic SoftwareMAFIC (Matrix and Fracture Interaction Code) uses the finite element method to solve for flow and transport through FracWorks geological models. MAFIC idealizes fractures using triangular finite elements, and can alternatively repersent fractures using 1-D pipe elements. MAFIC provides for dual porosity interaction using either quadrahedral finite elements or a 1-D approximation based on the Warren and Root pseudo-steady state approximation. MAFIC uses a pre-conditioned conjugate gradient solver, with variable bandwidth matrix storage.

MAFIC simulates solute transport and heat transport using a convective particle tracking approach. Solute dispersion is simulated stochastically using orthogonal, normally distributed, lateral and transverse dispersion vectors. MAFIC solute transport includes matrix diffusion, mineral-specific retardation, and sorption features.

MAFIC was designed to simplify input data requirements while providing maximum flexibility for the designation of boundary conditions. Input files may be specified by the user or generated by the FracMan fracture network simulation package. MAFIC is generally used for fracture networks of 10 to 10,000 fractures, although it and has been applied for networks of up to 100,000 fractures using triangular finite elements and 300,000 fractures using pipe elements.

MAFIC Features

MAFIC Features
Flow Solution   Finite Element
Pre-Condioned Conjugate Gradient
Transport (Mass and Heat)   Particle Tracking
Fracture Geometry   Triangular Elements or
  Pipe Elements
Matrix Geometry   Quadrahedral Volume Elements,
  1-D Warren and Root Approximation, or
  1-D Pipe Finite Element
Transport Processes   Advection
  Longitudinal and Transverse Dispersion
  Matrix Diffusion
  Mineral-Specific Sorption
  Decay or Biodegredation
   

MAFIC Theory

The MAFIC theory developed below is from the MAFIC manual. Graphics will be added in the future.

Using continuum principles of mass balance, the diffusivity equation which describes flow can be written as (Bear, 1972):

(2-1a)

where: xi = coordinate directions (L)
r = fluid density (M/L3)
m = fluid viscosity (M/LT)
kij = permeability (absolute) (L2)
P = fluid pressure (M/LT2)
g = gravitational acceleration (L/T2)
z = vertical direction (upward) (L)
a = pore compressibility (LT2/M)
F = porosity
b = fluid compressibility (LT2/M)
q = source term (M/T)
t = time (T)

For nearly incompressible fluid (e.g., water), and for flow in two dimensions (e.g., in a fracture), the mass-conservation of equation (2-1) can be simplified to a volume-conservation equation:

(2-1b)

where: S = Fracture Storativity (dimensionless)
h = Hydraulic head (L)
T = Fracture Transmissivity (L2 /T)
q = Source/Sink Term (L/T)
t = Time (T)
= Two-dimensional Laplace Operator

MAFIC uses a Galerkin finite element solution scheme to approximate the solution for Equation (2-1). The finite element approximation to the diffusivity equation in two-dimensions is given by:

(2-2)

where: T = fracture transmissivity (L2 /T)
S = fracture storativity (dimensionless)
q = source flux, volume per unit area (L/T)
x = linear or quadratic basis function
R = element area (L2)
h = nodal hydraulic head (L)
t = time (T)
N = number of nodes

This approximation is also used for modeling flow in the rock matrix (see Equation (2-6). Equation (2-2) can be expressed in matrix notation as:

(2-3)

where:


MAFIC uses a backwards difference scheme for which Equation (2-3) is written:

(2-4)

where k = the timestep number

Solution of Equation (2-4) yields the head values at the end of timestep k+1.

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