Exploring the influence of rock inherent heterogeneity and grain size on hydraulic fracturing using discrete element modeling

• Published in: International journal of solids and structures Vol. 176-177; pp. 207 - 220
• Main Authors: Huang, Liuke, Liu, Jianjun, Zhang, Fengshou, Dontsov, Egor, Damjanac, Branko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Elsevier Ltd 30.11.2019; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Anisotropy; Assembly; Bonding; Computer simulation; Contact stresses; Crack initiation; Crack propagation; Discrete element method; Discrete element modeling; Fracture mechanics; Fracture toughness; Grain size; Heterogeneity; Hydraulic fracture; Hydraulic fracturing; Hydraulics; Inherent heterogeneity; Initial stresses; Mathematical models; Numerical models; Propagation; Propagation regimes; Stress propagation; Tortuosity; Two dimensional models; Viscosity; Grain size; Inherent heterogeneity; Hydraulic fracture; Propagation regimes; Discrete element modeling

The effects of rock inherent heterogeneity and grain size on hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation for different propagation regimes are investigated through two dimensional discrete element modeling. Random particle assembly is used to mimic rock inherent heterogeneity in the numerical mode...