Current status and prospects of fracture propagation simulation research based on the block discrete element method

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-6535.2025.05.001

Abstract

Abstract: The block discrete element method has gradually become a widely studied and applied simulation approach for hydraulic fracture propagation due to its advantages in handling discontinuous media. To further advance the application of block discrete element method in fracture propagation modeling, this paper summarizes the current research and application status of fracture propagation simulation based on the block discrete element method, discusses existing problems and challenges, and identifies future research directions. The study shows that the block discrete element method can directly characterize the location, occurrence, and number of discontinuous structural surfaces, select different constitutive equations according to their different conditions in the formation, and assign the corresponding parameters, making the simulation results of hydraulic fracture propagation more consistent with the actual situation; when simulating hydraulic fracture propagation, initial hydraulic fractures and fracture surfaces need to be preset, and hydraulic fractures can only propagate along the preset fracture surfaces, which affects the accuracy of hydraulic fracture simulation to some extent; in the next step, when dealing with natural fracture problems, efforts shall be focused on developing new natural fracture models; when dealing with bedding problems, efforts shall be focused on using constitutive models that can characterize other reservoir characteristics for research; when dealing with fault slip and casing deformation problems, efforts shall be focused on developing new cross-scale models and conducting integrated research on fault slip-casing deformation. Research on the block discrete element method is conducive to the development of unconventional oil and gas reservoir stimulation technology and can provide theoretical and technical support for the efficient development of unconventional oil and gas resources.

Key words: fracturing, block discrete element method, numerical simulation, fracture propagation

CLC Number:

TE357

YANG Zhaozhong, FU Dongrui, TAO Jing, YI Liangping, LI Xiaogang, YI Duo, HE Jian′gang. Current status and prospects of fracture propagation simulation research based on the block discrete element method[J]. Special Oil & Gas Reservoirs, 2024, 32(5): 1-9.

References

[1] 邹才能,杨智,张国生,等.非常规油气地质学理论技术及实践[J].地球科学,2023,48(6):2376-2397.
ZOU Caineng,YANG Zhi,ZHANG Guosheng,et al.Theory,technology and practice of unconventional petroleum geology[J].Journal of Earth Science,2023,48(6):2376-2397.
[2] 郭建春,任文希,曾凡辉,等.非常规油气井压裂参数智能优化研究进展与发展展望[J].石油钻探技术,2023,51(5):1-7.
GUO Jianchun,REN Wenxi,ZENG Fanhui,et al.Unconventional oil and gas well fracturing parameter intelligent optimization:research progress and future development prospects[J].Petroleum Drilling Techniques,2023,51(5):1-7.
[3] 付海峰,刘云志,梁天成,等.四川省宜宾地区龙马溪组页岩水力裂缝形态实验研究[J].天然气地球科学,2016,27(12):2231-2236.
FU Haifeng,LIU Yunzhi,LIANG Tiancheng,et al.Laboratory study on hydraulic fracture geometry of Longmaxi Formation shale in Yibin Area of Sichuan Province[J].Natural Gas Geoscience,2016,27(12):2231-2236.
[4] 石俊,张翔,杨俊.基于裂缝分形的气/水压裂裂缝起裂扩展对比分析[J].非常规油气,2024,11(6):118-124.
SHI Jun,ZHANG Xiang,YANG Jun.Comparative analysis of gas/water fracturing crack extension based on fracture fractality[J].Unconventional Oil & Gas,2024,11(6):118-124.
[5] 舒红林,刘臣,李志强,等.昭通浅层页岩气压裂复杂裂缝扩展数值模拟研究[J].石油钻探技术,2023,51(1):77-84.
SHU Honglin,LIU Chen,LI Zhiqiang,et al.Numerical simulation of complex fracture propagation in shallow shale gas fracturing in Zhaotong[J].Petroleum Drilling Techniques,2023,51(1):77-84.
[6] 张鹏飞.页岩多段压裂水平井产能有限元方法研究[D].武汉:长江大学,2020.
ZHANG Pengfei.Finite element method for productivity study of multi-stage fractured horizontal wells in shale[D].Wuhan:Yangtze University,2020.
[7] WEIJERMARS R,WANG J,NELSON R.Stress concentrations and failure modes in horizontal wells accounting for elastic anisotropy of shale formations[J].Earth-Science Reviews,2020,200:102957.
[8] CHEN M,ZHANG S C,LI S H,et al.An explicit algorithm for modeling planar 3D hydraulic fracture growth based on a super-time-stepping method[J].International Journal of Solids and Structures,2020,191:370-389.
[9] YI D,YI L P,YANG Z Z,et al.Coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-phase field modelling for hydraulic fracturing in thermo-poroelastic media[J].Computers and Geotechnics,2024,166:105949.
[10] GIOVANARDI B,SEREBRINSKY S,RADOVITZKY R.A fully-coupled computational framework for large-scale simulation of fluid-driven fracture propagation on parallel computers[J].Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering,2020,372:113365.
[11] SHI F,WANG X L,LIU C,et al.An XFEM-based method with reduction technique for modeling hydraulic fracture propagation in formations containing frictional natural fractures[J].Engineering Fracture Mechanics,2017,173:64-90.
[12] WANG T,LIU Z L,ZENG Q L,et al.XFEM modeling of hydraulic fracture in porous rocks with natural fractures[J].Science China Physics,Mechanics & Astronomy,2017,60(8):51-65.
[13] SHENG M,LI G S,SUTULA D,et al.XFEM modeling of multistage hydraulic fracturing in anisotropic shale formations[J].Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering,2018,162:801-812.
[14] YI L P,WAISMAN H,YANG Z Z,et al.A consistent phase field model for hydraulic fracture propagation in poroelastic media[J].Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering,2020,372:113396.
[15] YI L P,YANG C X,CHEN R,et al.Phase field model for hydraulic fracture propagation in porous medium and numerical simulation analysis of hydraulic fracture propagation in a layered reservoir[J].Arabian Journal of Geosciences,2021,14(16):1-25.
[16] HUANG L K,HE R,YANG Z Z,et al.Exploring hydraulic fracture behavior in glutenite formation with strong heterogeneity and variable lithology based on DEM simulation[J].Engineering Fracture Mechanics,2023,278:109020.
[17] WANG T,ZHANG F S,FURTNEY J,et al.A review of methods,applications and limitations for incorporating fluid flow in the discrete element method[J].Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering,2022,14(3):1005-1024.
[18] 郑永香.页岩储层水力压裂裂缝网络形成机制研究[D].成都:西南石油大学,2020.
ZHENG Yongxiang.Research on the formation mechanism of hydraulic fracture networks in shale reservoirs[D].Chengdu:Southwest Petroleum University,2020.
[19] CUNDALL P A,STRACK O D L.Modeling of microscopic mechanisms in granular material[J].Studies in Applied Mechanics,1983,7:137-149.
[20] LU Y,HAN J,SHELEPOV V V,et al.The propagation research of hydraulically created fractures in coal seams based on discrete element method[J].IOP Conference Series,Earth and Environmental Science,2019,384(1):012013.
[21] CUNDALL P A.Formulation of a three-dimensional distinct element model-Part I.A scheme to detect and represent contacts in a system composed of many polyhedral blocks[J].International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts,1988,25(3):107-116.
[22] HART R,CUNDALL P A,LEMOS J.Formulation of a three-dimensional distinct element model-part II.Mechanical calculations for motion and interaction of a system composed of many polyhedral blocks[J].International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts,1988,25(3):117-125.
[23] 蒲春生,郑恒,杨兆平,等.水平井分段体积压裂复杂裂缝形成机制研究现状与发展趋势[J].石油学报,2020,41(12):1734-1743.
PU Chunsheng,ZHENG Heng,YANG Zhaoping,et al.Research status and development trend of the formation mechanism of complex fractures by staged volume fracturing in horizontal wells[J].Acta Petrolei Sinica,2020,41(12):1734-1743.
[24] 李晓,郭鹏,胡彦智,等.陆相页岩压裂实验与数值模拟——以鄂尔多斯盆地三叠系延长组7段为例[J].石油与天然气地质,2023,44(4):1009-1019.
LI Xiao,GUO Peng,HU Yanzhi,et al.Experiment and numerical simulation of hydraulic fracturing in lacustrine shale:taking the Ordos Basin as an example[J].Oil & Gas Geology,2023,44(4):1009-1019.
[25] 毛良杰,林颢屿,余星颖,等.页岩气储层断层滑移对水平井套管变形的影响[J].断块油气田,2021,28(6):755-760.
MAO Liangjie,LIN Haoyu,YU Xingying,et al.Influence of fault slip on casing deformation of horizontal well in shale gas reservoir[J].Fault-Block Oil & Gas Field,2021,28(6):755-760.
[26] 程正华,艾池,张军,等.胶结型天然裂缝对水力压裂裂缝延伸规律的影响[J].新疆石油地质,2022,43(4):433-439.
CHENG Zhenghua,AI Chi,ZHANG Jun,et al.Influences of cemented natural fractures on propagation of hydraulic fractures[J].Xinjiang Petroleum Geology,2022,43(4):433-439.
[27] MCLENNAN J,TRAN D,ZHAO N,et al.Modeling fluid invasion and hydraulic fracture propagation in naturally fractured rock:a three-dimensional approach[C].SPE127888-MS,2010:1-13.
[28] ZHANG F,NAGEL N,LEE B,et al.The influence of fracture network connectivity on hydraulic fracture effectiveness and microseismicity generation[C].ARMA-2013-199,2013:1-13.
[29] SAVITSKI A A,LIN M,RIAHI A,et al.Explicit modeling of hydraulic fracture propagation in fractured shales[C].IPTC17073-MS,2013:1-12.
[30] 付宣.煤层气径向水平井压裂裂缝形成机制与参数设计研究[D].北京:中国石油大学(北京),2016.
FU Xuan.Research on fracture formation mechanism and parameter design for radial horizontal well fracturing in coalbed methane[D].Beijing:China University of Petroleum(Beijing),2016.
[31] 任岚,林然,赵金洲,等.基于最优SRV的页岩气水平井压裂簇间距优化设计[J].天然气工业,2017,37(4):69-79.
REN Lan,LIN Ran,ZHAO Jinzhou,et al.Cluster spacing optimal design for staged fracturing in horizontal shale gas wells based on optimal SRV[J].Natural Gas Industry,2017,37(4):69-79.
[32] 许崇祯,张公社,陈旭日,等.页岩气水平井复杂缝网压裂模拟[J].中国科技论文,2018,13(15):1759-1764.
XU Chongzhen,ZHANG Gongshe,CHEN Xuri,et al.Complex fracture network fracturing simulation of shale gas horizontal well[J].China Sciencepaper,2018,13(15):1759-1764.
[33] 路艳军.煤岩体积压裂机理研究[D].成都:西南石油大学,2015.
LU Yanjun.Study on the mechanism of volume fracturing in coal rock[D].Chengdu:Southwest Petroleum University,2015.
[34] NAGEL N,GIL I,SANCHEZ-NAGEL M.Simulating hydraulic fracturing in real fractured rocks-overcoming the limits of pseudo 3D models[C].SPE140480-MS,2011:1-15.
[35] 段永强,杨兆中,梅永贵,等.基于离散元方法的煤层压裂裂缝模拟研究[J].石油化工应用,2015,34(9):7-12,22.
DUAN Yongqiang,YANG Zhaozhong,MEI Yonggui,et al.The research of coalbed fracturing fracture simulation based on DEM[J].Petrochemical Industry Application,2015,34(9):7-12,22.
[36] 陈旭日,张公社,杨康,等.考虑天然裂缝的页岩储层体积压裂数值模拟[J].中国科技论文,2018,13(3):286-290.
CHEN Xuri,ZHANG Gongshe,YANG Kang,et al.Numerical simulation on volumetric fracturing for shale gas reservoir considering natural fractures[J].China Sciencepaper,2018,13(3):286-290.
[37] 李小刚,何建冈,杨兆中,等.基于离散元法的压裂裂缝特征研究[J].油气藏评价与开发,2023,13(3):348-357.
LI Xiaogang,HE Jiangang,YANG Zhaozhong,et al.Fracture characteristics based on discrete element method[J].Reservoir Evaluation and Development,2023,13(3):348-357.
[38] MAXWELL S C,LEE B T,MACK M.Calibrated microseismic geomechanical modeling of a Horn River Basin hydraulic fracture[C].ARMA-2016-626,2016:1-4.
[39] NAGEL N B,GARCIA X,SANCHEZ N M,et al.Understanding SRV:a numerical investigation of wet vs dry microseismicity during hydraulic fracturing[C].SPE159791-MS,2012:1-12.
[40] RANGRIZ S A,CHALATURNYK R J,BEARINGER D.Deployment of pressure hit catalogues to optimize multi-stage hydraulic stimulation treatments and future re-fracturing designs of horizontal wells in Horn River Shale Basin[C].SPE196221-MS,2019:1-21.
[41] ZHANG F,MACK M.Integrating fully coupled geomechanical modeling with microsesmicity for the analysis of refracturing treatment[J].Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering,2017,46:16-25.
[42] WANG Y,XU Y,DU L,et al.DFN modelling constrained by multiple seismic attributes using the steering pyramid technology[J].Frontiers in Earth Science,2023,11:1257481.
[43] 侯冰,常智,武安安,等.吉木萨尔凹陷页岩油密切割压裂多簇裂缝竞争扩展模拟[J].石油学报,2022,43(1):75-90.
HOU Bing,CHANG Zhi,WU Anan,et al.Simulation of competitive propagation of multi-fractures on shale oil reservoir multi-clustered fracturing in Jimsar Sag[J].Acta Petrolei Sinica,2022,43(1):75-90.
[44] KOLAPO P,OGUNSOLA N O,MUNEMO P,et al.DFN:an emerging tool for stochastic modelling and geomechanical design[J].Eng,2023,4(1):174-205.
[45] 付海峰,才博,修乃岭,等.含层理储层水力压裂缝高延伸规律及现场监测[J].天然气地球科学,2021,32(11):1610-1621.
FU Haifeng,CAI Bo,XIU Nailing,et al.The study of hydraulic fracture vertical propagation in unconventional reservoir with beddings and field monitoring[J].Natural Gas Geoscience,2021,32(11):1610-1621.
[46] ZHENG Y X,LIU J J,LEI Y.The propagation behavior of hydraulic fracture in rock mass with cemented joints[J].Geofluids,2019,2019:1-15.
[47] 张伯虎,周昌满,郑永香,等.正交节理与应力比值系数对水力裂缝扩展影响规律研究[J].油气藏评价与开发,2020,10(5):55-62.
ZHANG Bohu,ZHOU Changman,ZHENG Yongxiang,et al.Influence of orthogonal joint and stress ratio coefficients on hydraulic fracture propagation[J].Reservoir Evaluation and Development,2020,10(5):55-62.
[48] ZHENG Y X,LIU J J,ZHANG B H.An investigation into the effects of weak interfaces on fracture height containment in hydraulic fracturing[J].Energies,2019,12(17):3245.
[49] 李建民,佟亮,贾海正,等.基于离散元方法的层理发育地层水力裂缝扩展规律[J].科学技术与工程,2023,23(13):5515-5521.
LI Jianmin,TONG Liang,JIA Haizheng,et al.Hydraulic fractures propagation in bedding developed stratum based on distinct element method[J].Science Technology and Engineering,2023,23(13):5515-5521.
[50] 白岳松,胡耀青,何睿,等.页岩层理弱面对裂缝穿层扩展的影响数值模拟研究[J].煤矿安全,2023,54(5):240-246.
BAI Yuesong,HU Yaoqing,HE Rui,et al.Numerical simulation of the effect of weak shale bedding on fracture propagation through strata[J].Safety in Coal Mines,2023,54(5):240-246.
[51] 白岳松,胡耀青,李杰.压裂液黏度和注液速率对含层理页岩水力裂缝扩展行为的影响规律研究[J].煤矿安全,2023,54(12):18-24.
BAI Yuesong,HU Yaoqing,LI Jie.Study on the influence law of fracturing fluid viscosity and liquid injection rate on propagation behavior of hydraulic fractures in laminated shale[J].Safety in Coal Mines,2023,54(12):18-24.
[52] MA Y,WANG D,ZHENG Y.Influence of the bedding plane on the propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures[J].Frontiers in Earth Science,2023,10:1077652.
[53] 陈朝伟,项德贵,张丰收,等.四川长宁—威远区块水力压裂引起的断层滑移和套管变形机理及防控策略[J].石油科学通报,2019,4(4):364-377.
CHEN Chaowei,XIANG Degui,ZHANG Fengshou,et al.Fault slip and casing deformation caused by hydraulic fracturing in Changning-Weiyuan Blocks,Sichuan:mechanism and prevention strategy[J].Petroleum Science Bulletin,2019,4(4):364-377.
[54] AMINI A,EBERHARDT E.Empirical and numerical investigation of the effects of hydraulic fracturing injection rate on the magnitude distribution of induced seismicity events[C].SPE189820-MS,2018:1-10.
[55] AMINI A,EBERHARDT E.A numerical investigation of the effects of formation stiffness on induced seismicity magnitudes[C].ARMA-2018-1239,2018:1-6.
[56] ZHANG F S,YIN Z R,CHEN Z W,et al.Fault reactivation and induced seismicity during multistage hydraulic fracturing:microseismic analysis and geomechanical modeling[J].SPE Journal,2020,25(2):692-711.
[57] YIN Z R,HUANG H W,ZHANG F S,et al.Three-dimensional distinct element modeling of fault reactivation and induced seismicity due to hydraulic fracturing injection and backflow[J].Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering,2020,12(4):752-767.
[58] ZHANG F S,JIANG Z Y,CHEN Z W,et al.Hydraulic fracturing induced fault slip and casing shear in Sichuan Basin:a multi-scale numerical investigation[J].Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering,2020,195:107797.
[59] 李小刚,何建冈,黄雁红,等.裂缝扩展与输砂动态耦合的缝内支撑剂铺置特征[J].特种油气藏,2023,30(4):146-155.
LI Xiaogang,HE Jian′gang,HUANG Yanhong,et al.Characteristics of proppant placement in fractures dynamically coupled between fracture propagation and sand transport[J].Special Oil & Gas Reservoirs,2023,30(4):146-155.
[60] ZHANG F S,DONTSOV E.Modeling hydraulic fracture propagation and proppant transport in a two-layer formation with stress drop[J].Engineering Fracture Mechanics,2018,199:705-720.