ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: A numerical modelling approach for studying the hydraulic and mechanical properties and behavior of single fractures is presented. Fractures are represented by a series of straight line contacts which are obtained from digitized profiles of the fracture surfaces. Each contact is given simple mechanical and hydraulic properties, and the response of the fracture is obtained by integrating the response of all contacts along the fracture length. The distinct element code UDEC is used to implement the proposed approach. The proposed model is used to obtain basic understanding of fracture behavior at the micro-(or asperity) scale.

Keywords:
hydraulic fracturing, displacement, normal stress, Reservoir Characterization, elastic rock, reservoir geomechanics, fracture penneability, fracture length, variation, straight line segment
Subjects:
Hydraulic Fracturing, Reservoir Characterization, Reservoir geomechanics
This content is only available via PDF.
1994. A.A. Balkema - Permission to Distribute - American Rock Mechanics Association
You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.