Theoretical and experimental research on hydraulic fracturing
We are conducting a joint theoretical/experimental research program on hydraulic fracturing. Newly developed two-dimensional numerical models (which include complete descriptions of the elastic continuum and porous flow fluids) have been applied to analyze the effecs of pore pressure on the fracturing process. By means of small-scale experiments, we are acquiring a better understanding of the effects of the in-situ stress field, the porosity and permeability of the solid, and the presence of interfaces or layering in the solid. Experimentally, we have been studying the growth of cracks near an interface in several materials, including polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Nugget sandstone, and Indiana limestone. Results have shown that the mechanical properties of the interface relative to the properties of the materials on either side are important. A crack will not cross a well-bonded interface between two pieces of PMMA, even in the presence of a 13.79-MPa (2000-psi) normal load. Cracks will cross a well-bonded interface from PMMA to limestone, but not vice versa. Similarly, cracks will propagate across a bonded interface from Nugget sandstone to limestone, but not the other way. Pressure-driven cracks will cross an unbonded interface between limestone blocks at normal loads as low as 3.45 MPa (500 psi).
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of California, Livermore
- OSTI ID:
- 5377352
- Journal Information:
- J. Energy Resour. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 102
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Laboratory experiments on hydraulic fracture growth near an interface. [Sandstone, limestone, and polymethylmethacrylate]
Effects of mechanical and frictional rock properties on hydraulic fracture growth near unbonded interfaces
Related Subjects
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
BENCH-SCALE EXPERIMENTS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID FLOW
LIMESTONE
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PERMEABILITY
POROSITY
RESERVOIR ROCK
SANDSTONES
CARBONATE ROCKS
COMMINUTION
FRACTURING
RECOVERY
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
WELLS
030900* - Natural Gas- Artificial Stimulation
Plowshare- (-1989)