Complex Variable Boundary Element Method for Tracking Streamlines across Fractures

A complex variable boundary element model is developed for tracking streamlines across fractures, which are modeled by the double-root dipoles. Since the Cauchy’s integral formula in terms of the complex potential is used, the solution yields both the potential function and the stream function simultaneously. By knowing the distribution of the stream function throughout the flow domain in the presence of fractures, streamlines across the fracture are tracked. With the developed model, well-to-well displacement performances for unit mobility ratio are simulated.