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Morphological evolution indicates the transformation of stress interference in parallel fractures
Qianlong Zhou1, Xiaodong Hu2, Shaobo Han3
1College of Artificial Intelligence, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, Beijing, 102249, Beijing, China.
Scientific Reports
|January 8, 2026
Summary
This study reveals how stress interference impacts fracture propagation in geological materials. A novel experiment quantifies this interaction, showing a transition zone and defining a stress interference factor (β) for better engineering stability assessment.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Geological Engineering
- Material Science
Background:
- Fracture propagation is critical in natural strata and geological engineering.
- Previous research focused on single fractures, neglecting stress interference effects.
- Understanding stress interference is key for engineering stability and design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic correlation between fracture morphology and stress interference.
- To quantify the impact of stress interference on fracture propagation.
- To develop an analytical model for stress interference.
Main Methods:
- Innovative mirror-symmetric dual-fracture experiments.
- Light attenuation technique for quantifying morphological evolution.
- Energy balance analysis during fracture stagnation events.
Main Results:
- Identified distinct propagation regions based on stress interference levels.
- Observed a regional transition when fracture radius nears fracture spacing.
- Defined and modeled a stress interference factor (β) that aligns with experimental data.
- Found that energy partitioning (storage vs. dissipation) varies with fracture radius, affecting stagnation.
Conclusions:
- Stress interference significantly influences fracture morphology and propagation dynamics.
- The developed analytical model for stress interference factor (β) provides quantitative insights.
- Understanding energy dynamics during stagnation is crucial for predicting fracture behavior in geological engineering.
Keywords:
Dual-fractureHydraulic fracturingQuantitative characterizationSelf-similarityStress interferenceMore Related Videos
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