Application of discrete element numerical simulation methods in mechanical characterization of hydrate-bearing sediments: Research status and challenges

IF 3.3 2区工程技术 Q3 ENERGY & FUELS Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment Pub Date : 2025-02-18 DOI:10.1016/j.gete.2025.100650

Songkui Sang , Liang Kong , Yapeng Zhao , Likun Hua , Jiaqi Liu , Shijun Zhao , Xiaoyu Bai , Gan Sun

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Natural gas hydrates, as a promising clean energy source, have garnered significant attention globally. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments (HBS) and their evolution during hydrate decomposition is essential for ensuring sustainable, efficient, safe, and controllable hydrate exploitation. The macroscopic mechanical properties of HBS are controlled by the evolution of their internal microscopic structures. It is of great significance to clarify the evolution of the internal microscopic mechanical properties of HBS for an insightful understanding and a comprehensive evaluation of their mechanical properties. Therefore, it is discussed around the problems of micromechanical properties related to HBS in discrete element numerical simulation. A comprehensive review and summary of current research on micromechanical properties in HBS is presented, covering four key aspects: microscopic structural types, discrete element sampling methods, micromechanical properties, and hydrate decomposition microscopic multi-field coupled discrete element simulation. The paper briefly discusses the relationship between micromechanical structural types of HBS and the formation of reservoirs under varying geological conditions and gas environments. Additionally, it introduces the latest sampling methods and techniques for HBS with different hydrate morphologies in discrete element method (DEM) numerical simulation. The impact of diverse hydrate morphologies and saturations on the micromechanical properties of HBS is outlined. Recent advancements in studying hydrate decomposition microscopic multi-field coupling and its influence on the evolution of micromechanical properties in HBS are summarized. The paper delves into the internal relationship between the evolution of micromechanical properties and the macromechanical response of HBS. Finally, it discusses the current shortcomings and challenges in micromechanical property research of HBS and provides corresponding suggestions. This study aims to offer insights and directions for the DEM numerical simulation research on the micromechanical properties of HBS.

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来源期刊

Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment Earth and Planetary Sciences-Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

CiteScore

5.90

自引率

11.80%

发文量

期刊介绍： The aim of the Journal is to publish research results of the highest quality and of lasting importance on the subject of geomechanics, with the focus on applications to geological energy production and storage, and the interaction of soils and rocks with the natural and engineered environment. Special attention is given to concepts and developments of new energy geotechnologies that comprise intrinsic mechanisms protecting the environment against a potential engineering induced damage, hence warranting sustainable usage of energy resources. The scope of the journal is broad, including fundamental concepts in geomechanics and mechanics of porous media, the experiments and analysis of novel phenomena and applications. Of special interest are issues resulting from coupling of particular physics, chemistry and biology of external forcings, as well as of pore fluid/gas and minerals to the solid mechanics of the medium skeleton and pore fluid mechanics. The multi-scale and inter-scale interactions between the phenomena and the behavior representations are also of particular interest. Contributions to general theoretical approach to these issues, but of potential reference to geomechanics in its context of energy and the environment are also most welcome.