Propagation of hydraulic fractures

Conference · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · EOS, Trans., Am. Geophys. Union; (United States)

OSTI ID:5262172

Zoback, M D

The process of hydraulic fracture propagation is modeled using a two-dimensional plain strain fracture model and steady-state fluid flow equation. For a chosen fracture length and fluid viscosity, the form of the fracture and pressure profile is arrived at by iteration of the fracture shape and fluid flow solutions. Computation of the stress intensity at the fracture tips shows that after initially stable fracture propagation, a critical fracture length exists at which the stress intensity rapidly increases with increased fracture length. As might be expected, the critical fracture length is seen to increase with the viscosity of the fracturing fluid. Applications of the model are considered with parameters suitable to both field and laboratory hydraulic fracturing experiments.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA
• OSTI ID: 5262172
• Conference Information: Journal Name: EOS, Trans., Am. Geophys. Union; (United States) Journal Volume: 57:12
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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FAILURES
FLUID FLOW
FRACTURES
FRACTURING
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
STEADY-STATE CONDITIONS
STRAINS
STRESSES
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
VISCOSITY