Physics-based Modeling of Hydraulic Fracture Propagations and Permeability Evolutions During and After Stimulations

Hai Huang
Technical lead of INL’s subsurface modeling team

We developed a physics-based rock deformation and fracture propagation model by coupling a quasi-stationary discrete element model (DEM) to explicitly describe fracture initiation and propagation induced by fluid injection, and a network flow model to simulate fluid flow in both fractures and porous rock matrix. The fluid pressure gradient exerts forces on individual solid elements of the discrete element network, which then deforms the mechanical bonds and breaks them if the deformation reaches a prescribed threshold value, thereby initiating fracturing, which in turn changes the permeability of flow network. Simulation results for fracture generation and growth patterns due to fluid injection under various in situ stress conditions, injection rates and viscosities of fracking fluid, will be presented and discussed. We will present results on proppant-shale embedment simulations and the permeability evolution of propped fractures as function of stress and proppant size will also be briefly discussed.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90178©2013 AAPG Geosciences Technology Workshop, Baltimore, Maryland, July 16-17, 2013