{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-8494827","patent":{"patent_number":"US-8494827","title":"Method of predicting natural fractures and damage in a subsurface region","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2010-05-21T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2013-07-23T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["G06F"],"num_claims":21,"abstract":"A method for predicting localized damage and naturally occurring fractures in a subsurface region is provided. This invention uses a hybrid FEM-DEM (i.e. finite-discrete element) framework combined with a fracture risking analysis and fracture initiation and propagation criteria, to model the transition of rock from a state of continuum to discontinuum. The risking analysis combines results from other natural fracture prediction tools (e.g. displacement discontinuity method, restoration analysis, curvature analysis, analytical solutions, continuum analysis) to augment FEM-DEM solutions, such as by providing remote and local boundary conditions and identifying potential regions of anticipated damage and fracturing. Natural fractures and damage information is extracted from the modeling results and may be used directly for predictions or used as input into other fracture analysis tools or techniques. The FEM-DEM and risking techniques can be incorporated into a variety of numerical simulation software packages that use a finite-discrete method solver."},"analysis":{"summary":null,"layman_explanation":null,"technical_analysis":null,"business_analysis":null,"faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Method of predicting natural fractures and damage in a subsurface region","description":"A method for predicting localized damage and naturally occurring fractures in a subsurface region is provided. This invention uses a hybrid FEM-DEM (i.e. finite-discrete element) framework combined wi","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-8494827","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-8494827","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Method of predicting natural fractures and damage in a subsurface region\" (US-8494827). https://patentable.app/patents/US-8494827","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-8494827","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-8494827","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T17:42:28.572Z"}