Stress-intensity factor and fracture cross-sectional shape predictions from a three-dimensional model for hydraulically induced fractures

Nobuo Morita*, Donald L. Whitfill, Harry A. Wahl

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    22 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    An efficient three-dimensional (3D) fracture model was developed that can be applied to arbitrary planar cracks with Mode 1 stress singularity at the fracture tip. Surface stress, thermally induced stress, and poroelasticity were included. In addition, the elasticity constants can be varied between elements. A parameter study was conducted with the model to evaluate the stress-intensity factor, the evolving shape of the fracture, and fracture width. The study includes the borehole effect, fracture migration, fracture barriers, fracture cross-sectional shape, fracture front shape and its stress-intensity factor, and evaulation of the validity of some simplified models. Further work on the details of the theory, algorithm, accuracy, and efficiency of the 3D fracture model is in progress.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1329-1342
    Number of pages14
    JournalJPT, Journal of Petroleum Technology
    Volume40
    Issue number10
    Publication statusPublished - 1988 Oct

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Chemical Engineering(all)
    • Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)
    • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
    • Fuel Technology

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