Numerical modelling of hydraulic fracturing

E. W. Remij, J. J.C. Remmers, J. M. Huyghe, D. M.J. Smeulders

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In this paperwe present a numerical model for hydraulic fracturing purposes.The rock formation is modelled as a poroelastic material based on Biot's Theory.A fracture is represented in a discrete manner using the eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM). The fluid flow is governed by a local mass balance. This means that there is an equilibrium between the opening of the fracture, the tangential fluid flow, and the fluid leakage. The mass balance in the fracture is solved with a separate equation by including an additional degree of freedom for the pressure in the fracture. The fracture can grow in arbitrary directions by using an average stress criterion. We show a result of hydraulic fracture propagation for a 2D circular borehole. The fracture direction is consistent with the expected direction.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationComputer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics - Proc. of the 14th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014
PublisherTaylor and Francis - Balkema
Pages1719-1723
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9781138001480
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event14th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014 - Kyoto, Japan
Duration: 22 Sep 201425 Sep 2014

Publication series

NameComputer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics - Proceedings of the 14th Int. Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014

Conference

Conference14th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityKyoto
Period22/09/1425/09/14

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