A coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical modeling of fracture aperture alteration and reservoir deformation during heat extraction from a geothermal reservoir
THM modeling of deformation of rock matrix and joints with nonlinear stiffness. Contraction of rock decreases flow impedance of fracture, leading to flow channeling and reduction of energy production. Rapid pore pressure diffusion in rock matrix causes the deformation of reservoir at early-stages. Thermal effects are more pronounced for higher permeability rocks. Deformation of ground surface is an important effect resulting from geothermal energy production.