Finite difference simulation of elastic wave propagation through 3D heterogeneous multiscale media based on locally refined grids

To simulate the interaction of seismic waves with microheterogeneities (like cavernous/fractured reservoirs), a finite difference technique based on grids locally refined in time and space is used. These grids are used because the scales of heterogeneities in the reference medium and in the reservoir are different. Parallel computations based on domain decomposition of the target area into elementary subdomains in both the reference medium (a coarse grid) and the reservoir (a fine grid) are performed. Each subdomain is assigned to a specific processor unit, which forms two groups: one for the reference medium, and the other for the reservoir. The data exchange between the groups within a processor unit is performed by non-blocking iSend/iReceive MPI commands. The data exchange between the two groups is performed simultaneously with coupling the coarse and a fine grids, and is controlled by a specially chosen processor unit. The results of a numerical simulation for a realistic model of fracture corridors are presented and discussed. © 2013 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.