Hydro-Grain-Texture Modeling of Systematics of Propagation, Branching, and Coalescence of Fluid-Driven Fractures

• Published in: Rock mechanics and rock engineering Vol. 58; no. 1; pp. 623 - 644
• Main Authors: Wang, Suifeng, Elsworth, Derek, Zhang, Liping, Zhao, Xianyu, Wang, Tao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wien Springer Nature B.V 01.01.2025
• Subjects: Algorithms; Anisotropy; Branching; Breakdown; Coalescence; Confining; Crack propagation; Crystalline rocks; Failure modes; Fluids; Fracture mechanics; Grain boundaries; Grain growth; Grain structure; Granite; Heterogeneity; Hydraulic fracturing; Mechanical analysis; Microfracture; Minerals; Propagation; Rocks; Stress propagation; Systematics; Texture; Tortuosity

The heterogeneity of the mineral grain structure and presence of pre-existing flaws significantly impacts fracture propagation within amorphous crystalline rocks. We explore the macro-mechanical response derived from microfracture evolution for fluid-driven fracturing (hydraulic fracturing) in a gra...