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Modeling Three-Dimensional Pattern of Fluid-Driven Fracturing Using a Simplified Flow-Mechanical Damage Model

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Abstract

The complex geological and formation characteristics such as in-situ stress, nonlinearity, and rock discontinuities make three-dimensional hydraulic fracturing problems very difficult to be simulated. In this context, we present a numerical framework to predict the propagation pattern of hydraulic and natural fracture interaction by incorporating continuum damage mechanics in a poroelastic finite element method (FEM) model. The three-dimensional element partition method (3D EPM) is introduced to represent the mechanical behavior of fracture surfaces including contact and friction of existing fractures. Taking advantage of the efficiency and simplicity of 3D EPM, the fracture mechanical response and moving boundary conditions in the hydraulic fracturing process are represented without remeshing. The 3D EPM fracture-fluid coupling model is then employed to simulate fracture interaction problems with complex geometry and boundary conditions. A series of synthetic 3D examples are presented to emphasize the response of single and multiple natural fractures under given in-situ stress. The fracture propagation patterns and fluid pressure distributions obtained by the numerical results indicate that the present model is capable to predict and help to understand the complex processes of fracturing and interaction in unconventional reservoirs. For complex three-dimensional problems, our model can be applied to estimate the fracture pattern, then more rigorous coupled models can be used to obtain more accurate results based on the obtained fracture pattern.

Highlights

  • The coupled models for fluid-driven fracturing.

  • Modeling the patterns of fluid-driven fracturing without remeshing.

  • A solution for complex fracture interaction problems.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, 200 DW Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Kai Huang

  2. Reservoir Geomechanics and Seismicity Research Group, The University of Oklahoma, 100 E. Boyd, SEC-1210, Norman, OK, 73019, USA

    Ahmad Ghassemi

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  1. Kai Huang
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Huang, K., Ghassemi, A. Modeling Three-Dimensional Pattern of Fluid-Driven Fracturing Using a Simplified Flow-Mechanical Damage Model. Rock Mech Rock Eng 56, 4727–4756 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-023-03290-7

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