Fracture mechanics analysis of massive hydraulic fracturing containment

Technical Report · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6531915

Chen, E P

The hydraulic fracturing containment problem is the subject of the present investigation. Unlike previous studies, the interface crack geometry with the correct crack tip singularity was modeled. To accomplish this purpose, analytical interfacial crack tip stress and displacement expressions were derived and implemented into the finite element code PAPST via the enriched element technique. The accuracy of this technique was validated through comparisons with analytical and other numerical solutions. Parametric studies were then carried out to determine the relative importance of in situ stress and material property difference on fracture containment. A Maximum Stress Fracture Criterion was defined for this purpose. The results indicated that in situ stress is the dominant factor relative to material property difference in containing crack growth through the material interface. 23 references, 13 figures, 2 tables.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6531915
• Report Number(s): SAND-84-1306; ON: DE85000446
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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COMMINUTION
CONTAINMENT
CRACK PROPAGATION
FAILURES
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FRACTURE MECHANICS
FRACTURES
FRACTURING
HYDRAULIC FRACTURES
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS
STRESSES