InterPore2025

Invited Speakers - Luis Cueto-Felgueroso

Luis Cueto-Felgueroso Technical University of Madrid, Spain

Title: Phase-field modeling for multiphase flow and geomechanical processes Abstract: Phase-field models have proven to be effective simulation tools for describing interfacial processes at computationally feasible scales. Recent applications of these models include simulating the nucleation and propagation of hydraulic fractures in geological formations, as well as the behavior of fluid-fluid interfaces during flow through permeable media. The phase-field approach seeks to upscale interface dynamics by developing a continuum representation that diffuses sharp interfaces across several grid blocks or elements within a computational mesh.  The governing equations are formulated using appropriate variational principles or thermodynamic descriptions of the system. In this work, we present a phase-field formulation for thermo-hydro-mechanical hydraulic fracturing, with applications in geothermal energy production, and in the migration and seafloor venting of hydrocarbons. Additionally, we introduce a fugacity-based phase-field model for multiphase, multicomponent flows, applied to pore-scale simulations in the context of CO2 and hydrogen storage in porous formations. We also address the challenges of bridging scales in these models. Bio: Luis Cueto-Felgueroso is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering: Hydraulics, Energy and Environment at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Spain. He previously served as a Ramón y Cajal Fellow at UPM. Prior to joining UPM, he spent over eight years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Associate in the Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering. His research focuses on developing mathematical models and numerical simulation techniques for multiphase flow and geomechanics, with applications in subsurface energy resources and environmental research. In 2018, he was awarded the Agustín de Betancourt y Molina Medal by the Real Academia de Ingeniería de España for his contributions to porous media research.