Learning the matrix-fractures transfer rate using a convolutional neural network

One of the key elements in constructing of representative dual porosity/dual permeability models is to provide the mass transfer rate between the matrix and the fractures. Whereas it is possible to compute numerically this transfer rate for specific geometries, it is challenging to estimate the transfer function without running the CPU intensive computations. In this work, we demonstrate that a convolutional neural network can approximate a transfer function using the encoded fracture geometry and the precomputed fine-scale simulation results.