An enhanced pseudo-3D model for hydraulic fracturing accounting for viscous height growth, non-local elasticity, and lateral toughness. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dontsov, E.V.; Peirce, A.P.
• Is Part Of: Engineering fracture mechanics. Volume 142(2015)
• Page Start: 116
• Page End: 139
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Hydraulic fracturing -- Pseudo-3D model -- Non-local elasticity; Fracture mechanics -- Periodicals; Rupture, Mécanique de la -- Périodiques; Fracture mechanics; Periodicals; 620.112605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2015.05.043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-7944

Abstract

Highlights: The classical P3D model is compared to a fully planar hydraulic fracturing simulator. A correction for viscous height growth is proposed. A toughness propagation criterion in the lateral direction is included. A curved fracture tip is introduced for the P3D model. The proposed enhanced P3D model is both accurate and computationally efficient. Abstract: The goal of this paper is to develop a more accurate pseudo-3D model for hydraulic fracturing. The primary weaknesses of the classical pseudo-3D model are: (1) its inability to capture viscous height growth and (2) its failure to include lateral fracture toughness. These flaws are addressed respectively by: (1) introducing an apparent fracture toughness in the vertical direction and (2) using an approximate non-local elasticity operator. To evaluate the accuracy and the level of improvement of the model we have developed, the results are compared to the predictions calculated using a recently developed fully planar hydraulic fracturing simulator.