Pujin Wang1,2,3, Guofa Ji1,2,3,*, Wenwei Zhao1,2,3, Liangping Yi4
Energy Engineering, Vol.123, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/ee.2026.078171
- 27 April 2026
Abstract In multi-cluster horizontal well fracturing, non-uniform propagation due to inter-cluster interference severely limits the effectiveness of reservoir stimulation. This study employs the discrete lattice method for numerical simulation, investigating the influence of cluster spacing, fracturing fluid injection rate, and horizontal stress difference on fracture propagation morphology by monitoring, in real time, the dynamic changes in flow pressure, flow rate, and fluid intake volume for each cluster. The results indicate that the stress shadow effect is the fundamental cause of non-uniform fracture propagation. Cluster spacing is a key parameter controlling the maximum flow pressure difference between… More >