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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
09:12
A Method for Studying the Temperature Dependence of Dynamic Fracture and Fragmentation
Published on: June 28, 2015
Simulation of the hydraulic fracture process in two dimensions using a discrete element method
Sergio Andres Galindo Torres1, Jose Daniel Muñoz Castaño
1Physics Department, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. sagalindot@unal.edu.co
Summary
This study presents a discrete element simulation for hydraulic fracturing in petroleum wells, accurately modeling rock mechanics and fluid behavior. The simulation aids in analyzing fracturing fluid loss and optimizing treatment efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Computational Geomechanics
- Rock Mechanics
Background:
- Hydraulic fracturing is crucial for petroleum reservoir stimulation.
- Accurate modeling of rock-fluid interactions is essential for efficient extraction.
- Existing models often simplify rock behavior or fluid dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a discrete element simulation for hydraulic fracturing.
- To incorporate elastic rock behavior and Mohr-Coulomb fracture criteria.
- To analyze fracturing fluid loss and its impact on treatment efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Modeling rock as Voronoi polygons connected by elastic beams.
- Simulating tectonic stresses and hydrostatic fluid pressure.
- Implementing a discrete element method for fracture propagation.
Main Results:
- The simulation accurately reproduces the timing and dimensions of real-world hydraulic fractures.
- The model quantifies fracturing fluid loss based on rock permeability.
- The simulation provides insights into the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing treatments.
Conclusions:
- The discrete element simulation offers a robust tool for understanding hydraulic fracturing.
- The model's ability to predict fracture geometry and fluid loss is valuable for the petroleum industry.
- This work serves as a foundation for advanced petroleum engineering applications.
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