Fully-Coupled Three-Dimensional Finite Element Simulations of the Interaction Between a Hydraulic Fracture and a Pre-Existing Natural Fracture

The effects of approach angle and matrix poroelasticity on three-dimensional fracture interactions are investigated by examining changes in stress intensity factors around hydraulic fracture tips. Additionally, the effect of the compressive stress induced by the hydraulic fracture (the “stress shadow effect”) on the natural fracture is explored. Fracture interaction is captured using three-dimensional interaction maps based on two interaction measures that quantify the magnitude and type of interaction. The results show that the stress conditions at the hydraulic fracture tip are more favorable for growth when interacting fractures have shallow approach angles, and the interaction reduces as the approach angle increases. For “high” permeability reservoirs, fluid leak-off causes the rock matrix to dilate, and generates a tensile stress that amplifies the local stress field. The increase in stress in the region ahead of the hydraulic fracture (the stress amplification zone) can cause natural fractures to open in tension before the hydraulic fracture intersects the natural fracture. The increase in matrix permeability causes earlier activation of natural fractures due to the additional stress induced by the dilated rock matrix.