Method for creating a numerical model of the physical properties within

Abstract

A method of translating a drawn or imagined model into a numerical format. Working from a paper sketch or interpreted seismic display, the geological horizons and faults are digitized in any order. If the horizon is unbroken, it is digitized continuously as one piece, if it is broken by faulting, it is digitized as a series of elements. Digitizing ceases if the horizon terminates within the model. During preconditioning the boundaries of the model are added as another element. A search is performed and if intersecting elements are found, the shortest limb is deleted. A second search locates elements which do not terminate at an intersection. If the element is from a horizon, it is projected until it intersects another element, if an unconnected fault element, the element is deleted back to its first intersection point. The first phase of cell construction identifies segments which connect only to themselves and produces single segment cells. Remaining segments are used to construct cell units in a clockwise direction by determining the angles made between the final pair of points in the active segment and the first two points on all connecting segments, selecting the segment with the largest angle to continue building the cell. This process is repeated until the starting segment is again encountered. Physical properties are assigned to each cell. The cells are automatically split into microcells defining volumes of space with simply varying properties when the cell properties are convoluted.