vamseeachanta 1. Trajectory Planner (+9)
1. Trajectory Planner
3D directional well-path computation from surface to multiple downhole targets. Algorithms used by winning teams: cubic Bezier curves, minimum-curvature method. Constraints: dogleg severity (DLS) limits, survey station uncertainty propagation.
# Key inputs
targets: list[Point3D] # revealed on competition day
dls_max: float # deg/100ft — formation / BHA constraint
survey_uncertainty: float # typical ±0.5° inclination, ±1° azimuth
# Key outputs
planned_path: list[SurveyStation] # MD, inclination, azimuth at each station
2. Trajectory Control Optimizer (TCO)
Closed-loop steering of the simulated bit along the planned path. Must correct for BHA model uncertainty at each survey station. Reinforcement learning has been used by winning teams (UiS 2021-2022) for generalization to unseen target geometries.
3. BHA Model (RSS and Motor)
Critical constraint: BHA type (Rotary Steerable System vs Adjustable Kick-Off motor) is specified on competition day. Both must be pre-implemented and switchable.
Open-source references:
MADSim-Wilson-Simple-BHA-Model(Open Source Drilling Community)Aarsnes-and-Shor-Torsional-Model(torsional vibration)
4. ROP Optimisation
Real-time, formation-dependent optimisation of WOB and RPM to maximise ROP without causing dysfunctions. Typically a nonlinear constrained optimisation problem.
Bourgoyne-Young model (eight-parameter, industry standard):
ROP = f(WOB, RPM, d_bit, ECD, formation_coefficients, bit_wear, overbalance, compaction)
Warren model (simplified, two-parameter):
ROP = K * (WOB / d_bit)^a * RPM^b
Status in ACE Engineering: NOT YET IMPLEMENTED. Gap identified in WRK-375.
Candidate location: digitalmodel/well/drilling/rop_model.py
5. Torque and Drag
Drillstring friction and axial/torque loads along the wellbore trajectory. Used for WOB management and stuck-pipe detection.
Open-source reference: Dixit-Drillstring-Model-2023 (Open Source Drilling Community)
Status in ACE Engineering: NOT YET IMPLEMENTED.
6. Wellbore Hydraulics / ECD
Managed pressure drilling: keep bottomhole pressure inside the mud-weight window.
| Parameter | Formula | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ECD | MW + (annular_ΔP / (0.052 × TVD)) |
Formation overbalance control |
| Annular velocity | Q / (d_hole² − d_pipe²) × 0.408 |
Cuttings transport |
| Pump pressure | Fanning friction + acceleration components | Surface pump management |
Status in ACE Engineering: PARTIAL — CT hydraulics exists at
digitalmodel/src/digitalmodel/marine_ops/ct_hydraulics/ct_hydraulics.py
(ECD, pressure drop, Reynolds/friction, pump pressure). Needs generalisation to
arbitrary pipe/annulus diameters and multi-phase flow. Gap: ~250 lines to extend.
7. Well Control
Kick detection and automated shut-in. Scored as a separate category.
Detection signals:
- Flow-in/out differential > 5% sustained
- Pit volume gain > threshold
- Standpipe pressure anomaly
False-alarm rate is explicitly scored — conservative triggers that shut in unnecessarily count against the team.
8. Formation Classification (ML)
Real-time identification of formation being drilled from surface drilling signals (WOB, ROP, torque, vibration). Enables adaptive control parameter switching.
UMaT (2024 winner) used ensemble ML methods + a Python-based digital-twin architecture.
9. Operator HMI
Human-in-the-loop interface required since 2021. Criteria:
- Alarm management following alarm philosophy standards
- Levels-of-automation design (operator can always intervene)
- Mitigation of automation complacency ("ironies of automation")
10. D-WIS Interoperability (2025-2026 requirement)
All modules must expose data via Drilling Well Information Schema (D-WIS) semantic network protocols. This is a mandatory gate for Phase II entry in the 2025-2026 cycle.
Reference: https://d-wis.org