Modeling the anchoring and performance of downhole equipment using an extended Gurson model. (15th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mobasher, Mostafa E.; Taylor, Peter; Woelke, Pawel B.; Fleck, Norman A.; Hutchinson, John W.; Zhong, Allan
• Is Part Of: Engineering fracture mechanics. Volume 261(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02-15
• Subjects: Downhole equipment -- Ductile failure -- Gurson model -- Indentation -- Shear loading; Fracture mechanics -- Periodicals; Rupture, Mécanique de la -- Périodiques; Fracture mechanics; Periodicals; 620.112605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2022.108232
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-7944

Abstract

Highlights: A shear-extended Gurson model is proposed to analyze the longitudinal strength of anchored connections on downhole casings. Anchored connections are formed by the indentation of setting teeth which are on the millimeter scale. Longitudinal anchor strength is dependent on the local shear strength around setting teeth. The quantification of shear strength requires detailed micro-scale modeling of local ductile fracture. Experimental testing is performed to characterize the multiaxial fracture response of the high strength steel used in the casing material. Shear-extended Gurson model calibration is performed based on experimental data. An investigation of the dependence of the longitudinal strength of the connection on indentation depth is performed. Abstract: In oil and gas (O&G) exploration the well casing, in the form of a long steel tube, maintains the opening of the drilled well hole. Mechanical equipment is often inserted into the well for the purpose of well monitoring, pressure control and various operations. This downhole equipment may be mechanically connected to the pipe casing by the outward radial motion of anchoring teeth such that the inner wall casing is indented. The connection between the tool and the casing must support significant mechanical loads in the longitudinal (axial) direction of the casing, i.e. transverse to the direction of indentation, while minimizing the indentation depth in order to preserve the stiffness and strength of the casing. Consequently, a determination of the ultimate strength of the connection is of critical importance. Failure of this connection involves intense shear of the inner wall of the casing, akin to a machining operation. The critical load for axial slip can be determined experimentally or numerically (or by combination of both). In this study, detailed simulations are performed using the shear-extended GTN (Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman) model. The choice of model is motivated by the need to accurately the extensive plastic deformation associated with indentation as well as shear-dominated ductile failure on a sub-millimeter scale. The shear-extended GTN model requires a careful calibration of the model parameters by an accurate measurement of the material response. Accordingly, the casing steel was characterized by appropriate measurements under a range of stress states. The calibrated model was used to investigate an idealized two-dimensional representation of the anchoring problem, with a focus on the effect of indentation depth upon connection strength. Both the indentation of the casing inner wall by the anchoring teeth and the subsequent shear of the casing wall were simulated in detail to determine the load required to initiate and progress slip of the anchoring teeth. The results of these analyses show that the connection strength increases linearly with increasing indentation depth.