Three-dimensional hydraulic fracture propagation in the presence of stress variations

Journal Article · Thu Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · SPEJ, Soc. Pet. Eng. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/10849-PA· OSTI ID:6987348

Palmer, I D; Carroll, H B

Models of three-dimensional (3D) fracture propagation are being developed to study the effect of variations of stress and rock properties on fracture height and bottomhole pressure (BHP). Initially a blanket sand bounded by zones of higher minimum in-situ stress is considered, with stresses symmetrical about both the payzone axis and the wellbore. An elliptical fracture perimeter is assumed. Fluid flows are one-dimensional (1D) Newtonian in the direction of the pay zone. Two models, FL1 and FL2, are developed. In FL1, a discontinuous stress variation is approximated by a y/sup 2/ variation in the vertical coordinate, and the fracture criterion, K /SUB i/ =K /SUB c/ , is satisfied at both major and minor axes. The net pressure at the tip, L /SUB f/ , of the long axis required by the boundary condition K /SUB i/ =K /SUB c/ does not seem crucial in determining fracture height or BHP (compare with one group of published models that assumes p=0 at L /SUB f/ ). Model FL2 properly represents the discontinuous stresses, and satisfies K /SUB i/ =K /SUB c/ at the wellbore but not at the tip of the long axis.

• Research Organization: Oral Roberts Univ.
• OSTI ID: 6987348
• Journal Information: SPEJ, Soc. Pet. Eng. J.; (United States), Journal Name: SPEJ, Soc. Pet. Eng. J.; (United States) Vol. 23:6; ISSN SSPJD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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FRACTURE MECHANICS
FRACTURE PROPERTIES
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