The effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas wells stimulation is largely determined by the fracture propagation morphology. In order to investigate the fracture propagation mechanism controlled by structural features such as formation structure features such as formation structure and bedding planes in anisotropic shale reservoirs, using the ABAQUS finite element software, a mathematical model of shale was established by incorporating cohesive elements and accounting for the anisotropy of bedding weak planes. The influence of different bedding dip angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) on hydraulic fracturing propagation was systematically analyzed. Comparative studies were conducted on key parameters such as hydraulic fracture morphology, final fracture width, and fracture length. Additionally, the effects of various operational parameters (flow rate and fracturing fluid viscosity) on fracture propagation were investigated. The results indicated that at a bedding plane dip angle of 45°, the ability of the fracturing fluid to penetrate the bedding planes was maximized, leading to a shear-slip dominated hydraulic fracture, with a final width of 5.73 mm and a length of 78.6 m. Increasing the displacement to 13 m3/min or the fracturing fluid viscosity to 40 mPa·s was found to significantly enhance both the width and length of the hydraulic fracture. Additionally, optimal reservoir connectivity and flow-guiding performance were achieved specifically at the 45° dip angle. By further adjusting construction parameters such as displacement and fracturing fluid viscosity, the fracture propagation effectiveness was optimized, and the research findings were successfully applied and validated in the field practice of Well X in the Weiyuan Block, effectively enhancing fracture propagation capability and the connectivity of flow channels, thereby improving the reservoir stimulation efficiency of this well.
LIANG Miao, HUANG Hao, LIU Bing, CHE Heng-da, LU Han, SUN Zhi-peng, KANG Nan.
Effects of Layer Angle-construction Parameter on Hydraulic Fracture Extension in Anisotropic Shales[J].
Science Technology and Engineering, 2026, 26(13): 5470-5480 DOI:10.12404/j.issn.1671-1815.2505411
研究发现页岩材料具有高度各向异性,同时岩压裂裂缝与层理面交互扩展时裂缝扩展形态和延伸规律变得尤为复杂。大量研究人员通常利用物理实验和数值模拟方法去研究层理页岩裂缝扩展规律。其中贾长贵等[10]利用MTS815型岩石力学试验机对不同层理取芯角度的岩石试样进行单轴、三轴压缩测试,针对试样与层理面处于不同夹角时的力学特征,研究了层理面不同夹角的破坏模式及其强度变形特征。Serajian[11]构建了各向异性岩石的水力裂缝起裂压力计算模型,考虑横观各向异性对岩石力学本构的影响,分析不同层理角度下弹性模量差异对裂缝起裂压力的影响规律。邹雨时等[12]开展小尺度真三轴携砂压裂实验,结合高精度CT扫描数字岩心模型重构技术,研究了薄互层型页岩油储集层水力裂缝形态与支撑剂分布特征。种照辉[13]利用改造的水力压裂系统研究各向异性页岩中天然裂隙与水力裂缝的相互作用机制,分析各向异性角、围压差和泵速对裂缝扩展的影响规律。衡帅等[14]基于各向异性裂纹尖端应力场,研究了页岩层理面对Ⅰ型断裂韧性的影响,揭示了断裂韧性各向异性机制,并探讨了层理面对水力裂缝扩展的作用。谭鹏[15]基于ABAQUS数值软件,建立了三维水力裂缝与天然界面相交扩展的有限元模型,表明天然界面强度越低、垂向应力差异系数越小,越易形成T形缝;反之则水力裂缝易穿透界面。吕茂淋等[16]建立了相场法应力-渗流耦合模型。研究了地应力差、裂隙间距和注入流量等因素对垂直于最大主应力方向的双裂隙水力压裂裂隙扩展的影响规律。苏杰等[17]基于ABAQUS有限元软件,结合经典滤失模型和水力压裂二维模型对裸眼压裂过程中的压裂液滤失问题进行了模拟研究。表明裸眼压裂过程中压裂液滤失量随裂缝扩展阶段变化:初期剧增,中期缓增,后期略降。朱颖[18]通过水力压裂试验和岩石破裂全过程分析系统(rock failure process analysis,RFPA)模拟,建立了考虑层理和非均质的油页岩模型,结果表明弱层理强度易使裂缝转向;高密度和厚度会削弱穿透能力;30°~60°倾角层理更易被裂缝穿透。李建民等[19]采用块体离散元方法,探究了层理强度对水力裂缝穿层行为的影响,分别计算了层理面的抗剪强度和抗拉强度对水力裂缝在层状地层内扩展行为的影响。Seyed等[20]采用(finite discrete element method,FDEM)方法模拟页岩无侧限压缩试验,基于横观各向同性本构分析层理厚度和摩擦角对泥质岩力学行为及起裂模式的影响。朱海燕等[21]建立了渗流-应力-损伤耦合的裂缝扩展有限元-离散裂缝网络模型,研究不同天然裂缝逼近角、簇间距、水平应力差和压裂泵注排量下的多簇裂缝扩展数值模拟,探讨天然裂缝对水力裂缝扩展的影响机制。
WenZhichao. Research on the impact of shale gas development on China’s economic and social environment and policy recommendations[J]. Development Research, 2018(12): 13-18.
ZhangHao, YiLiangping, LiuJunyan, et al. Current situation and development trend of fracturing soluble bridge plugs[J]. Science Technology and Engineering, 2025, 25(26): 10983-10995.
ZhangHaoqian, QinYang, OuZhipeng, et al. Characteristics of fracture disturbance in platform well fracturing and anti-diversion countermeasures: a case study of deep shale gas in Zigong Block, southern Sichuan[J]. Science Technology and Engineering, 2025, 25(30): 12882-12893.
JuYiwen, BuHongling, WangGuochang. Main characteristics of shale gas reservoirs and their influence on reservoir modification[J]. Advances in Earth Sciences, 2014, 29(4): 492-506.
JiaChanggui, LiShuangming, WangHaitao, et al. Research and test on network fracturing technology in shale reservoir[J]. China Engineering Science, 2012, 14(6): 106-112.
WangYonghui, LuYongjun, LiYongping, et al. Progress and application of fracture modification technology in unconventional reservoirs[J]. Journal of Petroleum, 2012, 33(S1): 149-158.
BaiWensheng, QinChao, YangQuan, et al. The mechanism of spontaneous osmotic absorption of fracturing fluid in shale reservoirs: a case study of shale in the Sichuan Basin and the Ordos Basin[J]. Science Technology and Engineering, 2025, 25(22): 9349-9355.
[17]
刘强. 各向异性页岩水力压裂缝网形态特征及渗透效果评价研究[D]. 重庆: 重庆大学, 2020.
[18]
LiuQiang. Research on morphological characteristics of hydraulic fracture network and evaluation of penetration effect in anisotropic shale[D]. Chongqing: Chongqing University, 2020.
JiaChanggui, ChenJunhai, GuoYintong, et al. Study on the mechanical properties and failure modes of layered shale[J]. Rock and Soil Mechanics, 2013, 34(S2): 57-61.
[21]
SerajianV. A study of hydraulic fracturing initiation in transversely isotropic rocks[D]. College Station: Texas A & M University, 2011.
ZouYushi, ShiShanzhi, ZhangShicheng, et al. Hydraulic fracture morphology and proppant distribution characteristics of thin interbedated shale oil reservoirs[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2022, 49(5): 1025-1032.
ChongZhaohui. Research on the mechanism and application of hydraulic fracturing-induced fracture expansion in shale containing natural defects[D]. Xuzhou: China University of Mining and Technology, 2018.
HengShuai, YangChunhe, GuoYintong, et al. Study on the effect of stratification on hydraulic fracture extension in shale[J]. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 2015, 34(2): 228-237.
TanPeng. Study on the mechanical behavior of vertical extension of hydraulic fractures in multi-rock combination layered reservoirs[D]. Beijing: China University of Petroleum (Beijing), 2019.
LüMaolin, ZhuZhende, ZhouLuming, et al. Extended numerical simulation study on hydraulic fracturing of prefabricated double-fractured rock mass based on phase field method[J]. Rock and Soil Mechanics, 2024, 45(6): 1850-1862.
SuJie, ShaoBing, ZhangYongliang, et al. Calculation of fluid loss in low-permeability reservoir fracturing fluid based on ABAQUS[J]. Science Technology and Engineering, 2020, 25(19): 8034-8040.
[34]
朱颖. 油页岩层理对其力学特性及裂缝起裂与扩展的影响研究[D]. 长春: 吉林大学, 2022.
[35]
ZhuYing. Research on the influence of oil shale stratification on its mechanical properties and fracture initiation and extension[D]. Changchun: Jilin University, 2022.
LiJianmin, TongLiang, JiaHaizheng, et al. Hydraulic fracture propagation law of stratified developed strata based on discrete element method[J]. Science Technology and Engineering, 2023, 23(13): 5515-5521.
[38]
SeyedG S M H, AboayanahK R, AbdelazizA, et al. Numerical investigation of the influence of bedding plane thickness and friction on cracking pattern and mechanical behavior of shale under unconfined loading condition using the finite-discrete element method (fdem)[C]// ARMA US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium. Santa Fe: ARMA, 2022: ARMA- 2022-0310.
ZhuHaiyan, HuangChuhao, TangXuanhe. FEM-DFN numerical simulation of multi-cluster fracture propagation in fractured shale reservoir hydraulic fracturing[J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 2023, 42(S1): 3496-3507.
[41]
LeeY K, PietruszczakS. Application of critical plane approach to the prediction of strength anisotropy in transversely isotropic rock masses[J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 2008, 45(4): 513-523.
[42]
RajabiK, Hosseini-HashemiS. Application of the generalized Hooke’s law for viscoelastic materials (GHVMs) in nanoscale mass sensing applications of viscoelastic nanoplates: a theoretical study[J]. European Journal of Mechanics-A/Solids, 2018, 67: 71-83.
LiuHonglei, ZhongGuanyu. Study on fracture development pattern of directional injection fracturing in anisotropic formations[J]. Petroleum Geology and Engineering, 2022, 36(3): 93-98.
ZhangYajun, DongTong, DongHongxiao, et al. An anisotropic strength criterion for layered rock bodies[J]. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 2024, 43(10): 2511-2519.
[47]
ZhangG, LiuH, ZhangJ, et al. Simulation of hydraulic fracturing of oil well based on fluid-solid coupling equation and non-linear finite element[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2008, 30(1): 113.
[48]
ChenQ, HuangH, KongX, et al. Study on the impact of flow dynamic allocation mechanism on the balanced propagation of multicluster fractures in horizontal wells[J]. Lithosphere, 2023, 2023(1): 11.
ZhangGuangming, LiuHe, ZhangJin, et al. Nonlinear finite element numerical simulation of hydraulic fracturing flow-solid coupling in oil wells[J]. Journal of Petroleum, 2009, 30(1): 113-116.
BiaoFangjun, LiuHe, ZhangShicheng, et al. Numerical simulation study on the influence parameters of horizontal fracture in hydraulic fracturing[J]. Engineering Mechanics, 2011, 28(10): 228-235.
[53]
ChoJ W, KimH, JeonS, et al. An experimental study on deformation and strength anisotropy of transversely isotropic rocks in Korea[C]// ISRM Congress. Beijing: ISRM, 2011: 585-590.
LiJun, ZhaiWenbao, ChenZhaowei, et al. Study on random extension method of hydraulic cracks based on zero-thickness cohesive unit[J]. Geotechnics, 2021, 42(1): 265-279.
WangYongliang, ZhangXin, ZhuTianci, et al. Sensitivity analysis of fracture extension parameters in analytical modeling of hydraulic fracturing[J]. Mechanics Quarterly, 2021, 42(2): 263-271.
[58]
梅诗笛. 基于离散元的油页岩水力压裂及高温热解变形机理研究[D]. 长春: 吉林大学, 2025.
[59]
MeiShidi. Research on hydraulic fracturing and high-temperature pyrolysis deformation mechanism of oil shale based on discrete elements[D]. Changchun: Jilin University, 2025.