Study on the Mechanism of Rock Stress Sensitivity Using a Random Pore Network Simulation

Abstract EN

Studies of rock stress sensitivity are mainly focused on experimental and data processing methods, and the mechanism cannot be adequately explained using specific pore shape models.

This study, based on a random pore network simulation, explains the rock stress sensitivity mechanism for the first time.

Based on the network model theory, the hydraulic conductivity equation, the dimensionless radius equation, and the effective stress equation for partially saturated rock are used to generate a three-dimensional random pore network model based on the QT platform.

The simulation results show that the influence of the effective stress on the dimensionless radius becomes more significant as the aspect ratio decreases, and the relationship between dimensionless radius and effective stress can be effectively interpreted through different combinations of pore shapes.

Moreover, the mechanism behind permeability stress sensitivity can be explained by establishing the relationship between permeability and effective stress.