Simulation and visualization of hydraulic fracture propagation in poroelastic rock
Biot's theory of poroelasticity is used to study coupling between rock deformation and fluid flow within its mass. The topic is developed as follows: (1) a nonlinear fracture mechanics model is adapted for a poroelastic continuum, (2) poroelastic concepts and effects are illustrated through application to the 1-D, PKN fracture model, (3) a 2-D, plane strain, numerical model for hydraulic fracture in poroelastic materials is described and verified, (4) a specialized code for 3-D visualization of coupled processes, using computer graphics, is presented, and (5) the plane strain model and visualization capabilities are used to further investigate a variety of poroelastic effects. The plane strain numerical model solves three sets of fully-coupled equations representing (1) equilibrium of the rock mass, (2) conservation of fluid mass within the rock matrix, and (3) conservation of fluid mass in the fracture. The first two sets of equations are derived from a finite element approximation to Biot's theory of poroelasticity, while the third set is approximated by a finite difference model. An equilibrium fracture model is incorporated in a manner that produces a crack length that is a natural product of the solution procedure, and allows modeling of fracture initiation from a borehole. The primary application of this work is hydraulic fracturing in oil or gas bearing rock. Poroelastic effects on the PKN and CGDD models are investigated, along with effects of mini-frac tests which can be used to determine a variety of relevant material and fracture parameters. These latter studies include detailed simulations of fracture closure which can occur after flow into the fracture is shut-in. The results may also be applicable to dredging, drilling and cutting of fluid saturated rock.
- Research Organization:
- Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6634669
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
A Generalized Poroelastic Model Using FEniCS with Insights into the Noordbergum Effect
Modeling quasi-static poroelastic propagation using an asymptotic approach
Related Subjects
CRACK PROPAGATION
FLOW VISUALIZATION
RESERVOIR ROCK
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
CLOSURES
COMPUTER GRAPHICS
DEFORMATION
ELASTICITY
EQUATIONS
FINITE DIFFERENCE METHOD
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FLUID FLOW
FRACTURE MECHANICS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
POROSITY
POROUS MATERIALS
RESERVOIR FLUIDS
SIMULATION
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
WELL DRILLING
COMMINUTION
DRILLING
FAILURES
FLUIDS
FRACTURES
FRACTURING
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
ITERATIVE METHODS
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MECHANICS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
RESOURCES
TENSILE PROPERTIES
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production