Yu Li^1,2,3,*, Jie Bian³, Liang Zhang^2,3, Xuesong Feng³, Jiachen Hu³, Ji Yu³, Chao Zhou³, Tian Lan³

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.21, No.10, pp. 2539-2556, 2025, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2025.067685 - 30 October 2025

Abstract As oil and gas development increasingly targets unconventional reservoirs, the limitations of conventional hydraulic fracturing, namely high water consumption and significant reservoir damage, have become more pronounced. This has driven growing interest in the development of clean fracturing fluids that minimize both water usage and formation impairment. In this study, a low-liquid-content viscoelastic surfactant (VES) foam fracturing fluid system was formulated and evaluated through laboratory experiments. The optimized formulation comprises 0.2% foaming agent CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) and 2% foam stabilizer EAPB (erucamidopropyl betaine). Laboratory tests demonstrated that the VES foam system achieved a composite foam… More >

Zihao Yang^1,*, Jiarui Cheng¹, Zefeng Li², Yirong Yang¹, Linghong Tang¹, Wenlan Wei¹

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.21, No.9, pp. 2149-2176, 2025, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2025.067739 - 30 September 2025

Abstract This study presents a two-dimensional, transient model to simulate the flow and thermal behavior of CO₂ within a fracturing wellbore. The model accounts for high-velocity flow within the tubing and radial heat exchange between the wellbore and surrounding formation. It captures the temporal evolution of temperature, pressure, flow velocity, and fluid density, enabling detailed analysis of phase transitions along different tubing sections. The influence of key operational and geological parameters, including wellhead pressure, injection velocity, inlet temperature, and formation temperature gradient, on the wellbore’s thermal and pressure fields is systematically investigated. Results indicate that due to… More >

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

Zhiqiang Jiang¹, Zili Li¹, Bin Liang², Miao He¹, Weishou Hu³, Jun Tang³, Chao Song⁴, Nanxin Zheng^5,*

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.21, No.6, pp. 1397-1416, 2025, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2025.062737 - 30 June 2025

Abstract Microbial polysaccharides, due to their unique physicochemical properties, have been shown to effectively enhance the stability of foam fracturing fluids. However, the combined application of microbial polysaccharides and surfactants under high-temperature and high-salinity conditions remain poorly understood. In this study, we innovatively investigate this problem with a particular focus on foam stabilization mechanisms. By employing the Waring blender method, the optimal surfactant-microbial polysaccharide blends are identified, and the foam stability, rheological properties, and decay behavior in different systems under varying conditions are systematically analyzed for the first time. The results reveal that microbial polysaccharides significantly More >

Manqing Qian^*, Xiyu Chen, Yongming Li

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.21, No.6, pp. 1353-1377, 2025, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2025.061652 - 30 June 2025

Abstract Shale reservoirs are characterized by numerous geological discontinuities, such as bedding planes, and exhibit pronounced heterogeneity across rock layers separated by these planes. Bedding planes often possess distinct mechanical properties compared to the surrounding rock matrix, particularly in terms of damage and fracture behavior. Consequently, vertical propagation of hydraulic fractures is influenced by both bedding planes and the heterogeneity. In this study, a numerical investigation into the height growth of hydraulic fractures was conducted using the finite element method, incorporating zero-thickness cohesive elements. The analysis explored the effects of bedding planes, toughness contrasts between layers,… More >

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 >

Qi Deng¹, Qi Ruan², Bo Zeng¹, Qiang Liu³, Yi Song¹, Shen Cheng¹, Huiying Tang^2,*

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.21, No.5, pp. 1201-1219, 2025, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2025.060311 - 30 May 2025

Abstract Over more than a decade of development, medium to deep shale gas reservoirs have faced rapid production declines, making sustained output challenging. To harness remaining reserves effectively, advanced fracturing techniques such as infill drilling are essential. This study develops a complex fracture network model for dual horizontal wells and a four-dimensional in-situ stress evolution model, grounded in elastic porous media theory. These models simulate and analyze the evolution of formation pore pressure and in-situ stress during production. The investigation focuses on the influence of infill well fracturing timing on fracture propagation patterns, individual well productivity, and… 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 >