Numerical Simulation of the Influence of Natural Fractures on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation
Joint Authors
Changchun, He
Weiyong, Lu
Yaobin, Song
Erhu, Bai
Source
Issue
Vol. 2020, Issue 2020 (31 Dec. 2020), pp.1-12, 12 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2020-07-24
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
12
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
According to the theory of plane mechanics involving the interaction of hydraulic and natural fractures, the law of hydraulic fracture propagation under the influence of natural fractures is verified using theoretical analysis and RFPA2D-Flow numerical simulation approaches.
The shear and tensile failure mechanisms of rock are simultaneously considered.
Furthermore, the effects of the approach angle, principal stress difference, tensile strength and length of the natural fracture, and elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio of the reservoir on the propagation law of a hydraulic fracture are investigated.
The following results are obtained: (1) The numerical results agree with the experimental data, indicating that the RFPA2D-Flow software can be used to examine the hydraulic fracture propagation process under the action of natural fractures.
(2) In the case of a low principal stress difference and low approach angle, the hydraulic fracture likely causes shear failure along the tip of the natural fracture.
However, under a high stress difference and high approach angle, the hydraulic fracture spreads directly through the natural fracture along the original direction.
(3) When natural fractures with a low tensile strength encounter hydraulic fractures, the hydraulic fractures likely deviate and expand along the natural fractures.
However, in the case of natural fractures with a high tensile strength, the natural fracture surface is closed, and the hydraulic fracture directly passes through the natural fracture, propagating along the direction of the maximum principal stress.
(4) Under the same principal stress difference, a longer natural fracture corresponds to the easier initiation and expansion of a hydraulic fracture from the tip of the natural fracture.
However, when the size of the natural fracture is small, the hydraulic fracture tends to propagate directly through the natural fracture.
(5) A smaller elastic modulus and larger Poisson’s ratio of the reservoir result in a larger fracture initiation pressure.
The presented findings can provide theoretical guidance regarding the hydraulic fracturing of reservoirs with natural fractures.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Yaobin, Song& Weiyong, Lu& Changchun, He& Erhu, Bai. 2020. Numerical Simulation of the Influence of Natural Fractures on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation. Geofluids،Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1166195
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Yaobin, Song…[et al.]. Numerical Simulation of the Influence of Natural Fractures on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation. Geofluids No. 2020 (2020), pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1166195
American Medical Association (AMA)
Yaobin, Song& Weiyong, Lu& Changchun, He& Erhu, Bai. Numerical Simulation of the Influence of Natural Fractures on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation. Geofluids. 2020. Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1166195
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1166195