Fluid Patents (Class 703/9)
  • Patent number: 8538738
    Abstract: A prediction of whether a point on a computer-generated surface is adjacent to laminar or turbulent flow is made using a transition prediction technique. A plurality of boundary-layer properties at the point are obtained from a steady-state solution of a fluid flow in a region adjacent to the point. A plurality of instability modes are obtained, each defined by one or more mode parameters. A vector of regressor weights is obtained for the known instability growth rates in a training dataset. For each instability mode in the plurality of instability modes, a covariance vector is determined, which is the covariance of a predicted local growth rate with the known instability growth rates. Each covariance vector is used with the vector of regressor weights to determine a predicted local growth rate at the point. Based on the predicted local growth rates, an n-factor envelope at the point is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Aerion Corporation
    Inventors: Dev Rajnarayan, Peter Sturdza
  • Patent number: 8527247
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of determining the pitch stability of an airfoil system, comprising using a computer to numerically integrate a differential equation of motion that includes terms describing PID controller action. In one model, the differential equation characterizes the time-dependent response of the airfoil's pitch angle, ?. The computer model calculates limit-cycles of the model, which represent the stability boundaries of the airfoil system. Once the stability boundary is known, feedback control can be implemented, by using, for example, a PID controller to control a feedback actuator. The method allows the PID controller gain constants, KI, Kp, and Kd, to be optimized. This permits operation closer to the stability boundaries, while preventing the physical apparatus from unintentionally crossing the stability boundaries. Operating closer to the stability boundaries permits greater power efficiencies to be extracted from the airfoil system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: David G. Wilson, Rush D. Robinett, III
  • Patent number: 8521494
    Abstract: The disclosed methods, systems, and software are described to optimize fracture characteristics and simulate fluid flow rates in a well model. The well model, which includes at least one fracture intersecting a production well, is generated with static and dynamic data. Fluid flow in the well model is simulated to obtain simulated fluid flow rates between fractures and the well. Fracture properties, such as length, height and aperture, are then updated responsive to measured and simulated fluid flow rates. Multiple simulation runs and updating of the fracture properties can be performed until the simulated fluid flow rates converge with the measured fluid flow rates. Pressure data can be used to determine gridblock permeability, which in turn helps constrain the model, thus providing more reliable fracture properties. Uncertainty ranges of the fracture properties can also be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Narr, Benjamin Todd Hoffman, Liyong Li
  • Patent number: 8504341
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media are provided for fast updating of oil and gas field production optimization using physical and proxy simulators. A base model of a reservoir, well, or a pipeline network is established in one or more physical simulators. A decision management system is used to define uncertain parameters for matching with observed data. A proxy model is used to fit the uncertain parameters to outputs of the physical simulators, determine sensitivities of the uncertain parameters, and compute correlations between the uncertain parameters and output data from the physical simulators. Parameters for which the sensitivities are below a threshold are eliminated. The decision management system validates parameters which are output from the proxy model in the simulators. The validated parameters are used to make production decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Alvin Stanley Cullick, William Douglas Johnson
  • Patent number: 8504340
    Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing the design of aerodynamic surfaces are provided. They include in the design process of an aerodynamic surface of a body which moves through a flow field, the following: preparation of a CFD simulation of said body; resolution of the CFD calculation for specific conditions of the flow field and for obtaining flow lines of the flow on said surface; calculation of at least one geometrical variable of the surface, such as, for example, the normal curvature, according to the direction of said flow lines; and simultaneous visualization of the surface of said body and of at least one geometric variable. Additionally, at least one variable of the aerodynamic flow, such as, for example, a pressure gradient, may be calculated and visualized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations, S.L.
    Inventors: Daniel Redondo Garcia, Javier De Bona Piedrabuena
  • Publication number: 20130197891
    Abstract: A method of modeling a subsurface hydrogeologic system within a study area can include applying an electric current directly to the subsurface hydrogeologic system and monitoring a magnetic field generated by the electric current in the subsurface hydrogeologic system. An electric current distribution can be identified within the study area by an inversion process based on the magnetic field. A model of the electric current distribution can be created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Michael L. Jessop, Michael J. Wallace, Wei Qian, Jerry R. Montgomery, Rondo Jeffery, Val O. Kofoed
  • Patent number: 8498851
    Abstract: An improved method and computer system is provided, for analyzing the two- or three-dimensional movement of a fluid in an absorbent article that comprises fluid-swellable composite material, which comprises a fluid-swellable solid material, and that comprises void spaces in the fluid-swellable composite material, the fluid-swellable composite material being defined by a virtual two-dimensional or three-dimensional mesh, to determine the performance or property of at least one feature of the fluid-swellable composite material thereof, or the absorbent article, the method comprising: inputting one or more properties for the fluid-swellable (composite) material into a model and evaluating this to determine the performance of a feature of the absorbent article or fluid-swellable composite material thereof, the virtual model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Mattias Schmidt, Holger Beruda, Rodrigo Rosati, Raffaele Virgilio, Hans-Joerg Diersch, Volker Clausnitzer, Volodymyr Myrnyy
  • Publication number: 20130191096
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating simulation of heated airflow exhaust of an electronics subsystem, electronics rack or row of electronics racks. The apparatus includes a thermal simulator, which includes an air-moving device and a fluid-to-air heat exchanger. The air-moving device establishes airflow from an air inlet to air outlet side of the thermal simulator tailored to correlate to heated airflow exhaust of the electronics subsystem, rack or row of racks being simulated. The fluid-to-air heat exchanger heats airflow through the thermal simulator, with temperature of airflow exhausting from the simulator being tailored to correlate to temperature of the heated airflow exhaust of the electronics subsystem, rack or row of racks being simulated. The apparatus further includes a fluid distribution apparatus, which includes a fluid distribution unit disposed separate from the fluid simulator and providing hot fluid to the fluid-to-air heat exchanger of the thermal simulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8494828
    Abstract: A method is provided for simulating a physical process such as fluid flow in porous media by performing a fine-grid calculation of the process in a medium and re-using the fine grid solution in subsequent coarse-grid calculations. For fluid flow in subsurface formations, the method may be applied to optimize upscaled calculation grids formed from geologic models. The method decreases the cost of optimizing a grid to simulate a physical process that is mathematically described by the diffusion equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Xiao-Hui Wu, Rossen R. Parashkevov, Matt T. Stone
  • Publication number: 20130179137
    Abstract: Method for reducing a 3D joint inversion of at least two different types of geophysical data acquired by 3-D surveys (21) to an equivalent set of ID inversions. First, a 3D inversion is performed on each data type separately to the yield a 3-D model of a physical property corresponding to the data type (22). Next, a ID model of the physical property is extracted at selected (x,y) locations. A ID simulator (23) and the ID model of the physical property is then used at each of the selected locations to create a synthetic ID data set at each location (24). Finally, the ID synthetic data sets for each different type of geophysical data are jointly inverted at each of the selected locations, yielding improved values of the physical properties. Because the joint inversion is a ID inversion, the method is computationally advantageous, while recognizing the impact of 3-D effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Anoop A. Mullur, Dennis E. Willen, Rebecca L. Saltzer
  • Patent number: 8483998
    Abstract: A system and method for accurately measuring supply gas consumed by a particular process control component within a process control system is disclosed. Enhanced measurement accuracy is derived from measuring the consumption of the process control component in a normal operating mode of the process control system. The amount of fluid expended by one process control component is separated by a fluid control system from the amount of supply gas expended in actuating other process control components. The amount of fluid expended by each component may be determined by measuring a decrease in a fluid within a vessel having a known quantity that independently supplies supply gas to each component during its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Michel Ken Lovell, Carter B. Cartwright
  • Patent number: 8473261
    Abstract: A method of improving a 2D or 3D multiblock-structured mesh of an object that moves through a fluid medium, such as an aircraft. The method is used in the design of the object in connection with a defined analytical scheme, the mesh having been generated with rectangular (2D) or hexahedral (3D) blocks under constraints that may cause the mesh to include irregular blocks comprising the following steps: finding irregular blocks in the mesh; degenerating the irregular blocks merging contiguous edges or sides in one edge or side so that triangular (2D) or pentahedral (3D) blocks are formed and extending the modifications all along the blocks that are propagated; and generating several rectangular (2D) or hexahedral (3D) regular blocks inside the triangular (2D) or pentahedral (3D) blocks. A system for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.L.
    Inventors: Coral Aida Mora Ordóñez, Jairo Escudero Guijarro, Valentin De Pablo Fouce
  • Patent number: 8473262
    Abstract: Techniques and apparatus inhibit, limit, or remove biofouling and certain inorganic accumulations, to increase the longevity of accurate in-situ oceanographic and other underwater measurements and transducing processes. The invention deters formation of an initial bacterial layer and other precipitation, without harming the environment. The invention integrates an ultrasonic source into a sensor or other device, or its supporting structures. The ultrasonic source vibrates one or more critical surfaces of the device at a frequency and amplitude that dislodge early accumulations, thus preventing the rest of the fouling sequence. The ultrasonic driver is activated for short periods and low duty cycles, and in some cases preferably while the device is not operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Areté Associates
    Inventors: Guy J. Farruggia, Allan B. Fraser, John K. Hudak
  • Patent number: 8467998
    Abstract: A computer-aided method for predicting particle uptake by a surface of an object moving in a flow current. The method includes preparing a discrete model of the object and the surrounding flow, including a projection area for projecting the particles formed by a mesh of cells with an identical size, and a mesh of cells of the surface. The method also includes simulating the projection of particles with a different size from the projection area on the surface, both the density Di of projected particles and their size distribution being identical for the cell. The method further includes obtaining for each cell of the surface the local uptake efficiency parameter by dividing the density Df of particles impacting against the cell by the density Di of particles projected from the projection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.L.
    Inventors: José Antonio Aparicio Durán, José Manuel Alonso Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20130151222
    Abstract: Methods of using computer based models for simulating the physical behavior of bodily fluids with absorbent articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
    Inventor: The Procter & Gamble Company
  • Publication number: 20130151221
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for simulating fluid flow using a lattice Boltzmann (LB) approach and for solving scalar transport equations is described herein. In addition to the lattice Boltzmann functions for fluid flow, a second set of distribution functions is introduced for transport scalars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: EXA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hudong Chen, Raoyang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8463584
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for interactively simulating an injection mold model. A three-dimensional CAD model is identified representing an injection mold cavity. The mold cavity includes a location of at least one gate. A potential fill pattern is determined for injection of a material into the injection mold cavity. The determined fill pattern is based at least in part on the geometry and dimensions of the modeled mold cavity and the location of the at least one gate. A strip model of the CAD model is generated based at least in part on the determined fill pattern. The strip model is used to perform a strip analysis simulating injection of the material within the injection mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventor: Huagang Yu
  • Publication number: 20130144573
    Abstract: A method and system for assessment of virtual stent implantation in an aortic aneurysm is disclosed. A patient-specific 4D anatomical model of the aorta is generated from the 4D medical imaging data. A model representing mechanical properties of the aorta wall is adjusted to reflect changes due to aneurysm growth at a plurality of time stages. A stable deformation configuration of the aorta is generated for each time stages by performing fluid structure interaction (FSI) simulations using the patient-specific 4D anatomical model at each time stage based on the adjusted model representing the mechanical properties of the aorta wall at each time stage. Virtual stent implantation is performed for each stable deformation configuration of the aorta and FSI simulations are performed for each virtual stent implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Siemens Corporation
    Inventors: Puneet Sharma, Viorel Mihalef, Razvan Loan Lonasec, Bogdan Georgescu, Dorin Comaniciu
  • Patent number: 8457939
    Abstract: Fluid-flow simulation over a computer-generated aircraft surface is generated using inviscid and viscous simulations. A fluid-flow mesh of fluid cells is obtained. At least one inviscid fluid property for the fluid cells is determined using an inviscid fluid simulation that does not simulate fluid viscous effects. A set of intersecting fluid cells that intersects the aircraft surface are identified. One surface mesh polygon of the surface mesh is identified for each intersecting fluid cell. A boundary-layer prediction point for each identified surface mesh polygon is determined. At least one boundary-layer fluid property for each boundary-layer prediction point is determined using the at least one inviscid fluid property of the corresponding intersecting fluid cell and a boundary-layer simulation that simulates fluid viscous effects. At least one updated fluid property for at least one fluid cell is determined using the at least one boundary-layer fluid property and the inviscid fluid simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Aerion Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Rodriguez, Peter Sturdza
  • Patent number: 8457938
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating simulation of one or more operating characteristics of an electronics rack. The apparatus includes a rack frame, one or more air-moving devices associated with the rack frame, and an adjustable heat source associated with the rack frame. The one or more air-moving devices establish airflow through the rack frame from an air inlet side to an air outlet side thereof, wherein the established airflow through the rack frame is related to airflow through the electronics rack to be simulated. The adjustable heat source heats air passing through the rack frame, with heated air exhausting from the air outlet side of the rack frame simulating heated air exhausting from the electronics rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew R. Archibald, Hendrik F. Hamann, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Roger R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8457997
    Abstract: A client-server based system for building and executing flows (i.e., interconnected systems of algorithms). The client allows a user to build a flow specification and send the flow specification to the server. The server assembles the flow from the flow spec and executes the flow. A decision flow builder allows the user to build a flow targeted for the analysis/optimization of decisions (modeled by decision variables) regarding a plurality of assets in view of various underlying uncertainties (modeled by uncertainty variables). The user may specify a global objective (as a function of asset level statistics) as well and one or more constraints for the optimization. The flow may account for inter-asset correlations and inter-asset dependencies between uncertainty variables, and, inter-asset constraints between decision variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Keshav Narayanan, David Heath, Alvin Stanley Cullick
  • Publication number: 20130132053
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for simulating fluid motion using procedural shape growth. In a vector-based, fluid motion simulation technique, fluid location may be defined by groups of one or more polygons deposited on a digital canvas. Two or more polygons may overlap. The polygons may be semitransparent. To simulate fluid motion, vertices that specify the edges of each deposited polygon are independently moved. By moving the vertices, a polygon may grow, and fluid motion effects may be simulated, including but not limited to directional flow and blending effects. A randomization technique may be applied to the movement at each vertex to simulate the non-uniform spreading of fluids. Overlapped polygons may be blended with overlapping polygons to simulate the mixing of fluids. The technique may be applied, for example, in watercolor painting simulation, where groups of one or more polygons are deposited using brush strokes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Radomir Mech, Daichi Ito
  • Publication number: 20130132046
    Abstract: A simulation system (101) includes an X-ray CT device (11) that obtains a tomographic image of a porous sample, and a simulation device (14) that simulates a mercury intrusion method by processing a laminated tomographic image of the sample. The simulation device (14) includes a modeling means which processes the laminated tomographic image of the sample, and which models an internal structure of the sample, a minimum-diameter obtaining means that obtains a minimum entrance diameter when mercury enters in a pore of the sample at a predetermined pressure based on a surface energy of the sample and a pressure, and a means that simulates a liquid entering in the interior of the pore from one surface of the sample based on a diameter of the pore of the modeled sample and the minimum entrance diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicants: TOHOKU TECHNOARCH CO., LTD., IBIDEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Miyamoto, Michihisa Koyama, Kazuki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130132054
    Abstract: A method and system for multi-scale anatomical and functional modeling of coronary circulation is disclosed. A patient-specific anatomical model of coronary arteries and the heart is generated from medical image data of a patient. A multi-scale functional model of coronary circulation is generated based on the patient-specific anatomical model. Blood flow is simulated in at least one stenosis region of at least one coronary artery using the multi-scale function model of coronary circulation. Hemodynamic quantities, such as fractional flow reserve (FFR), are computed to determine a functional assessment of the stenosis, and virtual intervention simulations are performed using the multi-scale function model of coronary circulation for decision support and intervention planning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Puneet Sharma, Lucian Mihai Itu, Bogdan Georgescu, Viorel Mihalef, Ali Kamen, Dorin Comaniciu
  • Patent number: 8442665
    Abstract: A system is disclosed including a three-dimensional object having a non-conforming region, and a photogrammetry device adapted to scan the three-dimensional object. The system further includes optical reference targets and a controller structured to perform functions of repairing the three-dimensional object. The controller commands the photogrammetry device to scan the three-dimensional object, and calculates a nominal surface location and contour for the three-dimensional object. The controller further commands the photogrammetry device to scan the non-conforming region of the three-dimensional object, and calculates a material removal tool path comprising a path adapted to remove material from the object located beyond the nominal surface location and contour. The controller generates a solid model of the damaged region of the object based on the nominal surface location and contour, and computes a material addition tool path according to the solid model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory Thomas Krause
  • Publication number: 20130116997
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for simulating flow and acoustic interaction of a fluid with a porous medium includes simulating activity of a fluid in a first volume adjoining a second volume occupied by a porous medium, the activity of the fluid in the first volume being simulated so as to model movement of elements within the first volume and using a first model having a first set of parameters, simulating activity of the fluid in the second volume occupied by the porous medium, the activity in the second volume being simulated so as to model movement of elements within the second volume and using a second model having a second set of parameters and differing from the first model in a way that accounts for flow and acoustic properties of the porous medium, and simulating movement of elements between the first volume and the second volume at an interface between the first volume and the second volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Chenghai Sun, Franck Léon PéRot, Raoyang Zhang, Hudong Chen, David M. Freed, Ilya Staroselsky
  • Patent number: 8437997
    Abstract: Methods, computer-readable mediums, and systems analyze hydrocarbon production data from a subsurface region to determine geologic time scale reservoir connectivity and production time scale reservoir connectivity for the subsurface region. Compartments, fluid properties, and fluid distribution are interpreted to determine geologic time scale reservoir connectivity and production time scale reservoir connectivity for the subsurface region. A reservoir connectivity model based on the geologic time scale and production time scale reservoir connectivity for the subsurface region is constructed, wherein the reservoir connectivity model includes a plurality of production scenarios each including reservoir compartments, connections, and connection properties for each scenario. Each of the production scenarios is tested and refined based on production data for the subsurface region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Mary Ellen Meurer, Peter J. Vrolijk, Michael L. Sweet, John W. Snedden, Lawrence T. Sumpter
  • Patent number: 8428922
    Abstract: A finite difference level set projection algorithm on multi-staged quadrilateral grids for simulation of a split liquid film between two rollers. From one stage to the next, the number of meshes in the vertical direction changes by a select factor to provide a good balance between resolution and number of meshes. Having fewer meshes at the nip (the smallest gap between the rollers), the multi-staged quadrilateral grid allows a much bigger time step and requires much less CPU time to reach the steady state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Jiun-Der Yu
  • Patent number: 8428924
    Abstract: A method is disclosed having application notably towards ranking earth models responsive to dynamic heterogeneity. A plurality of earth models representing a subsurface reservoir are provided. Streamline analysis for each of the plurality of earth models is conducted. Flow Capacity (F) vs. Storage Capacity (?) curves are constructed for each of the plurality of earth models based on the streamline analysis. Dynamic heterogeneity for each of the plurality of earth models is computed from the Flow Capacity (F) vs. Storage Capacity (?) curves constructed for each of the plurality of earth models. The plurality of earth models are ranked responsive to dynamic heterogeneity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: George Michael Shook, Kameron Monroe Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8428923
    Abstract: A method is disclosed including simulating a hydraulic fracture in an Earth formation, the formation including a multilayered reservoir, wherein a mesh overlays the hydraulic fracture thereby defining a plurality of fracture elements. The method further includes calculating and determining an influence coefficient matrix having spatially related indices, wherein the spatially related indices relate influence coefficient matrix elements to corresponding fracture elements. The mesh overlays the hydraulic fracture in more than one layer of the multilayered reservoir. In one embodiment, the method is executed on a program storage device readable by a machine tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable to perform the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Eduard Siebrits, Anthony Peirce
  • Patent number: 8428919
    Abstract: A method for constructing a velocity vector field from a grid and a set of fluxes for each face of the grid cells. The cells are first subdivided and internal fluxes are calculated for each cell subject to the constraints of the flux for each cell and to achieve the minimum energy state for the each cell. The minimum energy state is computed efficiently using a divergence-free correction method without introducing a pressure variable. Then, the velocity vector field is constructed from the subcell fluxes using mixed finite element interpolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Rossen R. Parashkevov
  • Patent number: 8423337
    Abstract: A method of predicting earth stresses in response to changes in a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir within a geomechanical system includes establishing physical boundaries for the geomechanical system, acquiring logging data from wells drilled, and acquiring seismic data for one or more rock layers. The well and seismic data are automatically converted into a three-dimensional digital representation of one or more rock layers within the geomechanical system, thereby creating data points defining a three-dimensional geological structure. The method also includes (a) applying the data points from the geological structure to derive a finite element-based geomechanical model, and (b) initializing a geostatic condition in the geomechanical model, and then running a geomechanics simulation in order to determine changes in earth stresses associated with changes in pore pressure or other reservoir characteristics within the one or more rock layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Sheng-Yuan Hsu, Rahul Pakal, Kevin H. Searles, Brian W. Duffy
  • Publication number: 20130090902
    Abstract: Method and systems for modeling fractures in quasi-brittle materials are provided. An exemplary method included generating a model that incorporates a unified creep-plasticity (UCP) representation into a constitutive model for a ductile rock. The model may be used in a finite element analysis to model hydraulic fractures in the ductile rock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Yao Yao, Shekhar V. Gosavi, Kevin H. Searles, Timothy K. Ellison
  • Patent number: 8417496
    Abstract: A computer system for modelling and controlling a hydrocarbon reservoir through management of fluid flow at individual wells. The computer system has program instructions which operate a computer model which uses oilfield production data to provide a model of future production. The model comprises an optimal regression model which represents injector and producer wells whose fluid flow characteristics are highly correlated with the fluid flow characteristics of the well of interest; the application of parsimonious information criterion techniques to identify well pairs that statistically contribute information to the optimal regression model; and a statistical reservoir model comprising the product of the optimal regression model and a significance matrix. The system is also provided with control means, responsive to the output of the computer model in order to control wells in the hydrocarbon reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of Edinburgh
    Inventors: Ian Main, Lun Li, Orestis Papasouliotis, Thomas Leonard
  • Patent number: 8407031
    Abstract: Computer based CAE models for simulating the physical behavior of disposable articles during manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Jean Vittorio Seguro
  • Patent number: 8401832
    Abstract: A method includes initiating a first reservoir simulation on a first simulator for a first set of physical parameters of a first reservoir. The first reservoir simulator uses a first set of components for a compositional reservoir model. A second reservoir simulation is initiated on a second simulator. A network simulation is initiated on a network simulator to model a network for coupling the first reservoir and the second reservoir to a surface facility. The network simulator uses a second set of components for a compositional network model. The method further includes translating each of a first hydrocarbon fluid stream of the first reservoir simulator and a second hydrocarbon fluid stream of the second reservoir simulator to a common fluid model. Further, network balancing is initiated among the simulators at a corresponding point in each controller time step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kassem Ghorayeb, Jonathan Holmes, Richard Torrens, Balraj Grewal
  • Patent number: 8396693
    Abstract: A general, computational-mathematical modeling method for the solution of large, boundary-coupled transport problems involving the flow of mass, momentum, energy or subatomic particles is disclosed. The method employs a modeling processor that extracts a matrix operator equation (or set of equations) from a numerical transport code (NTC). The outputs of software codes, available for modeling physical problems governed by conservation laws in the form of differential equations, can be processed into closed-form operator equations with the method. Included is a numerical transport code functionalization (NTCF) model which can be determined numerically, based on a system of solutions of an NTC, evaluating outputs for a given set of inputs. The NTCF model is a linear or nonlinear, multi-variable operator equation or set of such equations. The NTCF model defines relationships between general, time-variable inputs and outputs, some known and some unknown, considered as boundary values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Patent number: 8392155
    Abstract: A particle behavior analysis system includes a calculation section that, regarding a decomposition portion decomposed in accordance with a decomposition method in a range to be analyzed, considers interaction force with another substance that acts on a particle and calculates behavior of the particle, while performing information communication with other devices; and an output processing section that switches output advisability of an analysis result obtained by the calculation section based on priority of the decomposition portion corresponding to the advisability of output processing of the analysis result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Seko, Yoichi Watanabe, Hideki Okamoto, Nobuyuki Hirooka, Ryosuke Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20130054214
    Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Charles A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8386224
    Abstract: A method for simulating the stretching and wiggling of liquids is provided. The complex phase-interface dynamics is effectively simulated by introducing the Eulerian vortex sheet method, which focuses on the vorticity at the interface and is extended to provide user control for the production of visual effects. The generated fluid flow creates complex surface details, such as thin and wiggling fluid sheets. To capture such high-frequency features efficiently, a denser grid is used for surface tracking in addition to coarser simulation grid. A filter, called the liquid-biased filter, is used to downsample the surface in the high-resolution grid into the coarse grid without unrealistic volume loss resulting from aliasing error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Doyub Kim, Oh-Young Song, Hyeong-Seok Ko
  • Patent number: 8384535
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling the operation of notifying drivers of the fluid level. Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on the primary and secondary keys and generates driver status signals. A fluid level sensing device is operable to generate a fluid level signal indicative of the fluid level. A controller is coupled to the fluid level sensing device and the key ignition device. The controller determines whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver in response to the driver status signals. The controller notifies the primary or secondary driver of the fluid level in response to the fluid level signal. The controller selectively controls the operation of notifying the primary or the secondary driver based on whether the driver is the primary or secondary driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Matthew J. Dalebout, Andrew D. Sarkisian, Anthony Dwayne Cooprider, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Kevin Thomas Hille, Karl William Wojcik, Terry Thomas Cwik, Brian Bennie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Scott Alan Watkins
  • Patent number: 8386221
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating transfer functions associated with calculating local stresses on pipe elements by post processing forces and moments of a pipe model representing the piping system. The transfer functions are reusable and allow recalculation with different sets of user data without requiring regeneration of the transfer functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Leonardo Tognarelli, Paolo Di Sisto, Michelangelo Fabbrizzi, Roberto Merlo
  • Publication number: 20130046527
    Abstract: A numerical analysis device executes: Step 102 of selecting a fluidic device model and a pipe model used for transient analysis from among fluidic device models and pipe models that are located between a start point and an end point set in the pipeline network model constructed as a 3D model of a pipeline network that includes fluidic devices and pipes; Step 104 of dividing the selected fluidic device model and pipe model into volume elements and into junction elements; Step 106 of deriving volumes of the respective volume elements obtained and pressure loss coefficients corresponding to the respective junction elements, based on the shape of the fluidic device model, a shape of the pipe model, and a physical quantities of the fluid, of associating the volumes with the volume elements, and of associating the pressure loss coefficients with the junction elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hitoi Ono, Toshiharu Nakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20130035917
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth an Eulerian fluid simulation technique which enables real-time simulations of large scale three dimensional fluid volumes that include free surface water. A hybrid grid representation composed of regular cubic cells on top of a layer of tall cells is used to reduce computation time. Water above an arbitrary terrain can be represented without consuming an excessive amount of memory and compute power, while focusing simulation effort on the area near the surface of the water to produce accurate results. Additionally, the grid representation may be optimized for a graphics processor implementation of the fluid solver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Nuttapong CHENTANEZ, Matthias MÜLLER-FISCHER
  • Publication number: 20130035918
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a geometric multi-grid technique which enables accurate simulations of three dimensional (3D) fluid volumes. A model of the fluid to be simulated is represented using a cubic cell grid. The geometric multi-grid is generated to provide a hierarchy of increasingly coarser representations of the model that are used by a fluid pressure solver. During fluid simulations, the linear complementarity problem (LCP) resulting from discretizing the Poisson equation, subject to separating solid boundary conditions, is solved using the geometric multi-grid. Visual artifacts such as liquid sticking to a bounding surface are minimized and the computations performed to solve the LCP are simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Nuttapong Chentanez, Matthias Müller-Fischer
  • Patent number: 8370121
    Abstract: The invention is a method of modeling a hydrocarbon reservoir. A parameter value in a set of equations is adjusted so that the output of the equations accurately matches observed sediment erosion and deposition behavior for sediment sizes throughout a range of about 10 microns to about 10 centimeters. An initial condition of a sediment bed in the hydrocarbon reservoir is defined. The equations are applied to the initial condition, wherein outputs of the equations express how a fluid flow affects erosion and deposition of sediments at the initial condition. The initial condition is adjusted based on the equation outputs to create a subsequent sediment bed condition. The equations are re-applied to the subsequent sediment bed condition a pre-determined number of times. The subsequent sediment bed condition is re-adjusted after each re-application of the equations. The model of the hydrocarbon reservoir is created and outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Tao Sun, Dachang Li, David Hoyal
  • Patent number: 8364453
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for describing the statistical orientation distribution of nonspherical particles in a simulation of a process wherein a mold cavity is filled with a suspension that contains a large number of nonspherical particles. The method and apparatus may be applied to the analysis of an injection molding process for producing a fiber reinforced molded polymer component or of a metal casting process for producing a fiber reinforced metal product. The results of these analyses may be used to determine tension and warping aspects of the component, and to optimize the process conditions used in the production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Magma Giessereitechnologie GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Linn, Matthias Moog
  • Patent number: 8364456
    Abstract: A system generates a state diagram model in a graphical modeling system, where the state diagram model includes at least one state. A condition statement is associated with the at least one state, and defines a condition upon which one or more actions associated with the at least one state are executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: The MathWorks, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijaya Raghavan, Zhihong Zhao
  • Patent number: 8359185
    Abstract: A computer system analyzes data from giant subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs which are organized into a number of component cells and simulates the conditions in the reservoirs based on determination of thermodynamic phase equilibrium using equation of state (EOS) modeling. The computer system takes the form of a heterogeneous (hybrid) computer environment which includes computer processor units (or CPU's) and graphical processing units (or GPU's). The system takes advantage of computational acceleration capabilities of the graphical processing units while utilizing the computer processing units for execution control, input/output of data and memory. Processing time requirements are reduced by more than an order of magnitude speed improvement over existing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Jorge A. Pita, Nabil M. Al-Zamel, Ali H. Dogru
  • Patent number: 8359184
    Abstract: A method, program and computer system for changing scale of reservoir model permeabilities (for example a hydrocarbon reservoir) are provided. Mini-models of reservoirs are defined (S100) with a number of meshes and cells in these meshes. For each model mesh, a scaling of the permeability values KH of the meshes is carried out (S400-800) via a mean power formula KH?H??kHi?H relating the mesh permeability KH to the local permeabilities kH,i of the cells. According to the invention, the power coefficient ?H appearing therein is analytically modified, relatively to its expression given by the Noetinger-Haas relationship, in order to correct a non-ergodicity bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Total S.A.
    Inventor: Gérard Massonnat