Stress inhomogeneity effect on fluid-induced fracture behaviour into weakly consolidated granular systems
Author(s)
Gago, Paula
Konstantinou, Charalampos
Biscontin, Giovanna
King, Peter
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We study the effect of stress inhomogeneity on the behavior of fluid-driven fracture development in weakly consolidated granular systems. Using numerical models we investigate the change in fracture growth rate and fracture pattern structure in unconsolidated granular packs (also referred to as soft-sands) as a function of the change in the confining stresses applied to the system. Soft-sands do not usually behave like brittle, linear elastic materials, and as a consequence, poroelastic models are often not applicable to describe their behavior. By making a distinction between “cohesive” and “compressive” grain-grain contact forces depending on their magnitude, we propose an expression that describes the fluid opening pressure as a function of the mean value and the standard deviation of the “compressive stress” distribution. We also show that the standard deviation of this distribution can be related with the extent to which fracture “branches” reach into the material.
Date Issued
2020-10-14
Date Acceptance
2020-09-21
Citation
Physical Review E: Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics, 2020, 102 (4)
ISSN
1539-3755
Publisher
American Physical Society
Journal / Book Title
Physical Review E: Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
Volume
102
Issue
4
Copyright Statement
©2020 American Physical Society
Sponsor
BP International Limited
Grant Number
75195/ICAM39(Uoc + IC)
Subjects
Fluids & Plasmas
01 Mathematical Sciences
02 Physical Sciences
09 Engineering
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 040901(R)