In this paper, the application of continuum damage mechanics to wellbore stability analysis is presented. In order to show the impact of the induced damage by microcracking process, three constitutive models are considered; an elastoplastic model, an isotropic damage model and an anisotropic damage model. All these models are calibrated from the same triaxial test on a sandstone. The application of the models to a plane strain borehole allows to clearly show impacts of different irreversible deformation mechanisms on predicted wellbore stability.

Keywords:
volumetric dilatancy, microcrack, reservoir characterization, reservoir geomechanics, damage model, material constant, lemaitre, borehole, deviatoric case, laderock model
Subjects:
Wellbore Design, Reservoir Characterization, Reservoir geomechanics
Copyright 1994, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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