The computer model HYDROTHERM, A three-dimensional finite-difference model to simulate ground-water flow and heat transport in the temperature range of 0 to 1,200 °C

Abstract

Quantitative modeling of magmatic-hydrothermal systems has been limited by the lack of publicly available, documented computer models for multiphase, high-temperature flow. This report documents HYDROTHERM, a finite-difference model for three-dimensional, multiphase flow of pure water and heat over a temperature range of 0 to 1,200 degrees Celsius and a pressure range of 0.5 to 10,000 bars. HYDROTHERM is an extension of multiphase geothermal models developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in the 1970's. It solves numerical approximations to mass- and energy-balance equations that are posed in terms of pressure and enthalpy. Major assumptions are that the rock matrix can be treated as a porous medium; that water and rock are in thermal equilibrium; and that capillary pressure is negligible.

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