Abstract
We describe the development and the applications of a numerical model to simulate fluid-driven fracturing in rock masses. It is a finite element computer program which couples solid mechanics, fracture mechanics and fluid mechanics. The fractures are driven either in a quasi-static fashion by conventional hydrofracturing liquids, or in a dynamic fashion by gases from burning solid propellants. Fracture propagation can be arbitrarily modeled in a mixed-mode, in media which already contain discontinuities. The code is applied to the analysis of stimulation of tight gas reservoirs such as the Gas Sands in the Western U.S. and the Coal Beds in the Southern U.S.
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References
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Shaffer, R.J., Heuze, F.E., Thorpe, R.K., Ingraffea, A.R., Nilson, R.H. (1989). Models of Quasi-Static and Dynamic Fluid-Driven Fracturing in Jointed Rocks. In: Shah, S.P., Swartz, S.E. (eds) Fracture of Concrete and Rock. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3578-1_19
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3578-1_19
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