Coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical simulation of fracture propagation in sandy conglomerate reservoirs

Abstract

In this paper, a thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling model is developed for simulating hydraulic fracture propagation in sandy conglomerate reservoirs. The rock deformation, fluid flow and heat transport are all considered in the model, then extended finite element method is adopted for achieving the numerical discretization. After validation, sensitive analysis is conducted. Numerical results show that gravel has great impact on hydraulic fracturing. Three interaction patterns between fracture and gravel are observed: the interaction, penetration and bypassing. And it is found that gravel size, axis ratio, approach angle, Young's modulus, fraction coefficient and cohesion will highly affect fracture propagation.