TOUGH–RBSN simulator for hydraulic fracture propagation within fractured media: Model validations against laboratory experiments

Kim, Kunhwi; Rutqvist, Jonny; Nakagawa, Seiji; Birkholzer, Jens

doi:10.1016/j.cageo.2017.05.011

TOUGH–RBSN simulator for hydraulic fracture propagation within fractured media: Model validations against laboratory experiments

Journal Article · Sat May 27 00:00:00 EDT 2017 · Computers and Geosciences

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2017.05.011· OSTI ID:1476563

Kim, Kunhwi ^[1]; Rutqvist, Jonny ^[1]; Nakagawa, Seiji ^[1]; Birkholzer, Jens ^[1]

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

This study presents coupled hydro-mechanical modeling of hydraulic fracturing processes in complex fractured media using a discrete fracture network (DFN) approach. The individual physical processes in the fracture propagation are represented by separate program modules: the TOUGH2 code for multiphase flow and mass transport based on the finite volume approach; and the rigid-body-spring network (RBSN) model for mechanical and fracture-damage behavior, which are coupled with each other. Fractures are modeled as discrete features, of which the hydrological properties are evaluated from the fracture deformation and aperture change. The verification of the TOUGH–RBSN code is performed against a 2D analytical model for single hydraulic fracture propagation. Subsequently, modeling capabilities for hydraulic fracturing are demonstrated through simulations of laboratory experiments conducted on rock-analogue (soda-lime glass) samples containing a designed network of pre-existing fractures. Sensitivity analyses are also conducted by changing the modeling parameters, such as viscosity of injected fluid, strength of pre-existing fractures, and confining stress conditions. The hydraulic fracturing characteristics attributed to the modeling parameters are investigated through comparisons of the simulation results.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE); USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-05CH11231

OSTI ID:: 1476563

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1550101

Journal Information:: Computers and Geosciences, Journal Name: Computers and Geosciences Journal Issue: C Vol. 108; ISSN 0098-3004

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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58 GEOSCIENCES
TOUGH2
coupled hydro-mechanical modeling
discrete fracture network approach
hydraulic fracture propagation
rigid-body-spring networks

TOUGH–RBSN simulator for hydraulic fracture propagation within fractured media: Model validations against laboratory experiments

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