Computational Algorithm for the Anticipation of the Fluid-Lag Zone in Hydraulic Fracturing Treatments
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 18, Issue 10
Abstract
In this paper, a computational algorithm based on the eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM) is developed to study the fluid-lag zone involved in hydraulic fracturing treatments. The fluid-lag zone, caused due to the high pressure gradient in the vicinity of the hydrofracture tip, is primarily treated by the imposition of the vapor pressure. The capillary action at the flow front is captured by inclusion of the surface tension effects. The overlap of the hydrofracture faces, particularly within the fluid-lag region, is prevented using an X-FEM penalty algorithm. The governing equations of the hydrofracture inflow and the surrounding domain are solved in a sequential order called the staggered Newton strategy. Finally, the performance and the accuracy of the proposed numerical approach are explored by means of numerical simulation.
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 18 • Issue 10 • October 2018
Copyright
© 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 1, 2018
Accepted: Apr 19, 2018
Published online: Aug 8, 2018
Published in print: Oct 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Jan 8, 2019
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