Abstract
A new approach to defining the effective fracture toughness for heterogeneous materials is proposed. This temporal averaging approach is process dependent, incorporating the crack velocity and material toughness. The effectiveness of the new technique is investigated in the context of hydraulic fracture through heterogeneous rock with a periodic material toughness. The plane strain model is considered without fluid leak-off, to more easily investigate different regimes (toughness/viscosity). Numerical simulations are used to examine the effectiveness of the new homogenisation strategy, with comparison against the recently proposed maximum toughness strategy. Simulations are conducted using an extremely effective (in house-built) time–space adaptive solver. The regimes in which each strategy is effective are determined.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
