A Mechanism of Unstable Growth of Hydraulic Fractures in Laboratory Experiments

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1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Development of hydraulic fracture in lab tests is accompanied by a significant pressure drop in fracturing fluid. This is not normally observed in the field. The pressure drop suggests the presence of a stage of unstable fracture growth in the laboratory samples. The paper shows that unstable fracture growth is produced by interaction between the fracture and free sample surfaces that are parallel to the fracture. This is another difference from the field situation on top of the scale difference, since in the field the presence of a nearby free surfaces parallel and close to the hydraulic fractures is a rare occurrence. This finding is important in analysing the results of laboratory experiments and developing methods of their upscaling.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMultiscale Processes of Instability, Deformation and Fracturing in Geomaterials
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of 12th International Workshop on Bifurcation and Degradation in Geomechanics
EditorsElena Pasternak, Arcady Dyskin
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer
Pages127-135
Number of pages9
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-031-22213-9
ISBN (Print)978-3-031-22225-2, 978-3-031-22212-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event12th International Workshop on Bifurcation and Degradation in Geomechanics - Perth, Australia
Duration: 28 Nov 20221 Dec 2022

Publication series

NameSpringer Series in Geomechanics and Geoengineering
ISSN (Print)1866-8755
ISSN (Electronic)1866-8763

Conference

Conference12th International Workshop on Bifurcation and Degradation in Geomechanics
Abbreviated titleIWBDG 2022
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityPerth
Period28/11/221/12/22

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