Multiscale modeling of hydraulic fracture propagation and design optimization in heterogeneous oil–gas reservoirs

IF 3.7 2区工程技术 Q3 ENERGY & FUELS

Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-21 DOI:10.1016/j.gete.2026.100806

Jing Li , Yunpeng Li , Chun Feng , Minjie Wen , Yiming Zhang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The strong heterogeneity and low permeability of unconventional reservoirs render multi-well fracturing essential for enhancing recovery rates. However, previous studies have lacked a systematic analysis of the complex coupling mechanisms in multi-well, multi-stage fracturing, especially regarding the significant deviations in predicting fracture propagation paths under realistic three-dimensional stress fields. This study employs the Continuous–Discontinuous Element Method (CDEM) computational framework to construct a three-dimensional, multi-scale coupled flow field-stress field model, achieving a refined simulation from microscopic rupture to macroscopic fracture network evolution. We investigate the formation mechanisms of complex fracture networks during localized near-wellbore injection and examine the influence of key parameters on fracture initiation pressure and propagation trajectories. Furthermore, by varying the operational sequencing of multi-well fracturing, we clarify the stress interference mechanisms governing the evolution of multi-well fracture networks. A comprehensive evaluation system is developed using fracture density as a core metric, integrating fracture morphology, spatial pressure distribution, and fluid flow pathways to rationally assess fracturing effectiveness under multifactorial conditions. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing perforation parameters and improving fracturing outcomes in tight oil and gas reservoirs.

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非均质油气藏水力裂缝扩展多尺度建模与设计优化

非常规油藏非均质性强、渗透率低，因此多井压裂是提高采收率的关键。然而，以往的研究缺乏对多井、多段压裂复杂耦合机理的系统分析，特别是在实际三维应力场下裂缝扩展路径的预测存在较大偏差。本研究采用连续-不连续单元法（CDEM）计算框架，构建三维多尺度耦合流场-应力场模型，实现了从微观破裂到宏观裂缝网络演化的精细模拟。研究了局部近井注入过程中复杂裂缝网络的形成机制，并研究了关键参数对裂缝起裂压力和扩展轨迹的影响。此外，通过改变多井压裂的作业顺序，我们阐明了控制多井裂缝网络演化的应力干扰机制。建立了以裂缝密度为核心指标，综合裂缝形态、空间压力分布、流体流动路径等因素，合理评价多因素条件下压裂效果的综合评价体系。该研究为致密油气储层优化射孔参数、提高压裂效果提供了理论依据。

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来源期刊

Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment Earth and Planetary Sciences-Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

CiteScore

5.90

自引率

11.80%

发文量

期刊介绍： The aim of the Journal is to publish research results of the highest quality and of lasting importance on the subject of geomechanics, with the focus on applications to geological energy production and storage, and the interaction of soils and rocks with the natural and engineered environment. Special attention is given to concepts and developments of new energy geotechnologies that comprise intrinsic mechanisms protecting the environment against a potential engineering induced damage, hence warranting sustainable usage of energy resources. The scope of the journal is broad, including fundamental concepts in geomechanics and mechanics of porous media, the experiments and analysis of novel phenomena and applications. Of special interest are issues resulting from coupling of particular physics, chemistry and biology of external forcings, as well as of pore fluid/gas and minerals to the solid mechanics of the medium skeleton and pore fluid mechanics. The multi-scale and inter-scale interactions between the phenomena and the behavior representations are also of particular interest. Contributions to general theoretical approach to these issues, but of potential reference to geomechanics in its context of energy and the environment are also most welcome.