Simulating hydraulic fracturing using finite-discrete element method (FDEM): Effects of pre-existing joints and lateral stress gradient
Résumé
This paper presents a numerical simulation study of hydraulic fracturing, by combining continuum and discontinuum approaches using a finite-discrete element method (FDEM). Calculated results are consistent with analytical results and exhibit many empirical features of hydraulic fracturing, although our solutions rarely exhibit a simple bi-wing fracture geometry. The effects of pre-existing joints at and around the wellbore on fracture topology and treatment pressure are investigated. Furthermore, the effect of lateral stresses due to pre-existing joints around and close to the wellbore is investigated, by including fractures with an asymmetric geometry that do not intersect the wellbore.
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)
Loading...