Multiscale Extended Finite Element Method for Deformable Fractured Media

Summary We present the first multiscale extended finite element (MS-XFEM) method. MS-XFEM develops local multiscale basis functions which allow for constructing accurate coarse-scale systems. These basis functions are computed locally using XFEM. Both enrichment functions along the fracture nodes and tips are considered in the basis function calculation. These functions are then used to construct and solve the coarse-scale system. Note that no enrichment exists on the coarse level. This makes our MS-XFEM procedure computationally efficient, yet accurate, for highly-fractured real-field applications. For several test cases, the MS-XFEM performance is investigated compared with the classical XFEM method. MS-XFEM casts a promising approach for real-field analyses of mechanical deformation influenced by the reservoir pore-pressure change.