Simulation of LWD Tool Response Using a Fast Integral Equation Method

Abstract

In this paper, we present a precorrected fast Fourier transform (pFFT) accelerated volume-surface-wire integral equation (VSWIE) method for the simulation of logging-while-drilling (LWD) tool responses in borehole environments. In this approach, the entire geometry, composed of inhomogeneous formation, borehole, metallic mandrel, and receiver coils, is modeled using irregular meshes, and the VSWIE method is used to formulate the problem. The method of moments is applied to solve the integral equation, and the pFFT method is employed to speed up the solution and reduce the memory requirement as well. The resultant method is efficient and flexible for 3-D simulation of LWD logging responses in complex media and geometries present in realistic oilfield problems.