The distinct element method (DEM) and the extended finite element method (XFEM) application for analysis of interaction between hydraulic and natural fractures

Hydraulic fracturing can be considered one of the most effective stimulation methods for fractured network formation. The interaction between induced and natural fractures greatly affects the success of the treatment. In this paper, the extended finite element method (XFEM) and distinct element meth...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of petroleum science & engineering Vol. 171; pp. 422 - 430
Main Authors Ghaderi, Amir, Taheri-Shakib, Jaber, Sharif Nik, Mohammad Amin
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 01.12.2018
Subjects
Debonding
Hydraulic fracture
Natural fractures
Production
Shear failure
Tensile failure
Natural fractures
Hydraulic fracture
Tensile failure
Debonding
Shear failure
Production
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Hydraulic fracturing can be considered one of the most effective stimulation methods for fractured network formation. The interaction between induced and natural fractures greatly affects the success of the treatment. In this paper, the extended finite element method (XFEM) and distinct element method (DEM) have been combined to identify the propagation of hydraulic fractures in a porous medium with naturally fractured blocks. DEM is used to investigate hydraulic fractures in a natural-fracture network and evaluate the production flow rate under different apertures and lengths of hydraulic fracture. XFEM is used to simulate the deformation of the natural-fracture interface during the approaching phase of induced fractures as a no-remeshing tool. The results of DEM reveal that length of hydraulic fracturing has a significantly greater effect on production than aperture. Results from XFEM show that tensile and shear debonding of natural fractures change as a function of angle and distance from an induced fracture. •Hydraulic fracturing in natural fracture reservoirs.•Effective stimulation methods for fractured network formation.•The distinct element method (DEM) and the extended finite element method (XFEM).
ISSN:0920-4105
1873-4715
DOI:10.1016/j.petrol.2018.06.083