Weishuai Zhang, Fengjiao Wang, Yikun Liu^*, Yilin Liu

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.33, No.1, pp. 1-1, 2025, DOI:10.32604/icces.2025.010789

Abstract The mechanism of vertical extension in high-volume hydraulic fracturing is of significant importance for the volumetric transformation of low-permeability reservoirs in deep offshore sandstone formations. The complexity of fracture propagation behavior is influenced by the characteristics of discontinuous thin layers in the vertical plane. However, the mechanisms and influencing factors of fracture extension in the vertical direction during high-volume hydraulic fracturing remain unclear. This study integrates true triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments with acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, employing a nonlinear finite element method to establish a multi-thin interlayer fracturing model based on seepage-stress-damage coupling. It investigates… More >

Taizhi Shen¹, Gang Chen¹, Jiang Bai¹, Dan Zhang^2,*

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.21, No.8, pp. 1917-1934, 2025, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2025.067114 - 12 September 2025

Abstract Deep shale reservoirs are often associated with extreme geological conditions, including high temperatures, substantial horizontal stress differences, elevated closure stresses, and high breakdown pressures. These factors pose significant challenges to conventional hydraulic fracturing with water-based fluids, which may induce formation damage and fail to generate complex fracture networks. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂), with its low viscosity, high diffusivity, low surface tension, and minimal water sensitivity, has attracted growing attention as an alternative fracturing fluid for deep shale stimulation. This study presents a series of true triaxial large-scale physical experiments using shale samples from the Longmaxi Formation More >

Xin Wan¹, Shuyi Li^2,3, Tiankui Guo^2,3,*, Ming Chen^2,3, Xing Yang^2,3, Guchang Zhang^2,3, Zi’ang Wang^2,3

Energy Engineering, Vol.122, No.8, pp. 3013-3039, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ee.2025.066033 - 24 July 2025

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing is a key technology for the efficient development of deep oil and gas reservoirs. However, fracture propagation behavior is influenced by rock elastoplasticity and thermal stress, making it difficult for traditional linear elastic models to accurately describe its dynamic response. To address this, this study employs the Continuum-Discontinuum Element Method (CDEM), incorporating an elastoplastic constitutive model, thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupling effects, and cohesive zone characteristics at the fracture tip to establish a numerical model for hydraulic fracture propagation in deep elastoplastic reservoirs. A systematic investigation was conducted into the effects of fluid viscosity, reservoir… More > Graphic Abstract

Xuesong Xing¹, Li Wang¹, Guangai Wu¹, Chengyong Peng^1,2,3, Yanan Hou¹, Jingyu Zi¹, Biao Yin^2,3,*

Energy Engineering, Vol.122, No.7, pp. 2911-2930, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ee.2025.065384 - 27 June 2025

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing, an effective method for enhancing coal seam productivity, largely determines coalbed methane (CBM) production, which is significantly influenced by geological and engineering factors. This study focuses on the L block to investigate the mechanisms influencing efficient fracture propagation and enhanced stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) in fracturing. To explore the mechanisms influencing effective fracture propagation and enhanced SRV, the L block was selected as the research object, with a comprehensive consideration of geological background, reservoir properties, and dynamic production data. By combining the discrete lattice method with numerical analysis and true triaxial experimental simulation,… More >

Zhuang Liu^1,*, Tingen Fan¹, Qianli Lu², Jianchun Guo², Renfeng Yang¹, Haifeng Wang¹

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.21, No.4, pp. 851-876, 2025, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2024.056729 - 06 May 2025

Abstract Thermal shock damage in deep shale hydraulic fracturing can impact fracture propagation behaviors, potentially leading to the formation of complex fractures and enhancing gas recovery. This study introduces a thermal-hydraulic-mechnical (THM) coupled fracture propagation model relying on the phase field method to simulate thermal shock-induced fracturing in the deep shale considering dynamic temperature conditions. The validity of this model is confirmed through comparison of experimental and numerical results concerning the THM-coupled stress field and thermal cracking. Special attention is paid to the interaction of thermal shock-induced fractures in deep shale that contains weak planes. More >

Xiao Yan^1,2,3, Di Wang^1,2,4, Haitao Yu^1,2,3,5,*

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.140, No.3, pp. 3051-3071, 2024, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2024.051832 - 08 July 2024

Abstract The existence of high-density bedding planes is a typical characteristic of shale oil reservoirs. Understanding the behavior of hydraulic fracturing in high-density laminated rocks is significant for promoting shale oil production. In this study, a hydraulic fracturing model considering tensile failure and frictional slip of the bedding planes is established within the framework of the unified pipe-interface element method (UP-IEM). The model developed for simulating the interaction between the hydraulic fracture and the bedding plane is validated by comparison with experimental results. The hydraulic fracturing patterns in sealed and unsealed bedding planes are compared. Additionally,… More >

Yan Liu¹, Tianli Sun², Bencheng Wang^1,*, Yan Feng²

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.20, No.6, pp. 1165-1180, 2024, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2023.041852 - 27 June 2024

Abstract A numerical model of hydraulic fracture propagation is introduced for a representative reservoir (Yuanba continental tight sandstone gas reservoir in Northeast Sichuan). Different parameters are considered, i.e., the interlayer stress difference, the fracturing discharge rate and the fracturing fluid viscosity. The results show that these factors affect the gas and water production by influencing the fracture size. The interlayer stress difference can effectively control the fracture height. The greater the stress difference, the smaller the dimensionless reconstruction volume of the reservoir, while the flowback rate and gas production are lower. A large displacement fracturing construction More >

Chengbao Hu^1,2,3, Shilin Gong^4,*, Bin Chen^1,2,3, Zhongling Zong⁴, Xingwang Bao⁵, Xiaojian Ru⁵

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.140, No.1, pp. 997-1015, 2024, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2024.048640 - 16 April 2024

Abstract Strain localization frequently occurs in cohesive materials with friction (e.g., composites, soils, rocks) and is widely recognized as a fundamental cause of progressive structural failure. Nonetheless, achieving high-fidelity simulation for this issue, particularly concerning strong discontinuities and tension-compression-shear behaviors within localized zones, remains significantly constrained. In response, this study introduces an integrated algorithm within the finite element framework, merging a coupled cohesive zone model (CZM) with the nonlinear augmented finite element method (N-AFEM). The coupled CZM comprehensively describes tension-compression and compression-shear failure behaviors in cohesive, frictional materials, while the N-AFEM allows nonlinear coupled intra-element discontinuities More >

Diguang Gong¹, Junbin Chen¹, Cheng Cheng², Yuanyuan Kou^2,*

Energy Engineering, Vol.121, No.2, pp. 425-437, 2024, DOI:10.32604/ee.2023.030196 - 25 January 2024

Abstract Horizontal well-stimulation is the key to unconventional resource exploration and development. The development mode of the well plant helps increase the stimulated reservoir volume. Nevertheless, fracture interference between wells reduces the fracturing effect. Here, a 2D hydro-mechanical coupling model describing hydraulic fracture (HF) propagation is established with the extended finite element method, and the effects of several factors on HF propagation during multiple wells fracturing are analyzed. The results show that with an increase in elastic modulus, horizontal principal stress difference and injection fluid displacement, the total fracture area and the reservoir stimulation efficiency are More >

Yi Song¹, Zheyu Hu^2,*, Cheng Shen¹, Lan Ren², Xingwu Guo¹, Ran Lin², Kun Wang³, Zhiyong Zhao⁴

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.20, No.3, pp. 609-624, 2024, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2023.030521 - 12 January 2024

Abstract Deep shale gas reserves that have been fractured typically have many relatively close perforation holes. Due to the proximity of each fracture during the formation of the fracture network, there is significant stress interference, which results in uneven fracture propagation. It is common practice to use “balls” to temporarily plug fracture openings in order to lessen liquid intake and achieve uniform propagation in each cluster. In this study, a diameter optimization model is introduced for these plugging balls based on a multi-cluster fracture propagation model and a perforation dynamic abrasion model. This approach relies on More > Graphic Abstract