Microscopic modelling of the hydraulic fracturing process

Eshiet, Kenneth and Sheng, Yong and Ye, Jianqiao (2013) Microscopic modelling of the hydraulic fracturing process. Environmental Earth Sciences, 68 (4). pp. 1169-1186. ISSN 1866-6299

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Abstract

A microscopic perspective is introduced in this study which offers a detailed insight at the inter-particle level to the geo-mechanical responses caused by fluid injection and the resulting pressure build-up. This was achieved by employing the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to model the pressure development and the subsequent fracturing and/or cavity propagation. This technique represents the formation material as an assembly of discrete particles linked to each other through contacts. Numerical experiments were carried out on two sample materials. For the first instance, tests were carried out on a bulk material, representative of a generic intact rock, with the breakage of inter-particle bonds indicating the formation of cracks. The second series of tests was carried out on granular type materials such as sand, where particle separation signified cavity initiation and separation. It was observed from the DEM modelling results that the intact rock material showed a predominance of mode II fracturing at high fluid velocities. However, when the fluid velocity is reduced considerably the fracturing behaviour tended towards more of mode I. Also, records of the pressure development were taken from the numerical results and were used to monitor the fracturing events. The outcome of this study highlights important aspects of the hydraulic fracturing process especially at the particle–particle scale, and thus provides a strong basis for more exhaustive studies involving larger scale reservoir modelling and more complex fracturing scenarios.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Environmental Earth Sciences
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/core/keywords/engineering
Subjects:
?? hydraulic fracturinggeological storageengineeringsoil scienceenvironmental chemistrywater science and technologypollutionglobal and planetary changegeologyearth-surface processes ??
ID Code:
56207
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
19 Jul 2012 15:42
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 13:02