Three dimensional modelling of propagation of hydraulic fractures in shale at different injection pressures

Abstract

The modeling of conjugate development of fractures and fluid flow remains a significant subject in a diversity of rock engineering. Continuum numerical methods are paramount in the modeling of rock engineering practice problems, merely with restrained capacities in modeling the problem of fracture development coupled by fluid flow. There exists a demand for them to be understood in details. Driven by this, we demonstrated an approach based on a three-dimensional development of fracture of an abstract model condensed to two-dimensional analysis comprising rocks with fractures. In the framework of a continuum method of modeling, the contact between the fracture development and deformation was paired with fluid flow. A 3-D model was established in this case for a shale reservoir and fluid was injected at multiple pressures to understand the initiation and propagation of fractures, as applied to the field of hydraulic fracturing. The stress, strain, displacement in the reservoir were monitored at multiple injection pressures. Linear relations of injection pressures were observed with these parameters. A detailed insight with quantification of the values is given into the subject based on the findings of this study. © 2015 Chinese Institute of Environmental Engineering. All rights reserved.