Abstract
Brittleness is an important mechanical parameter of shale reservoirs and has a significant effect on hydraulic fracturing. Traditional evaluation methods of shale brittleness are mainly based on complete stress-strain curves under compressive loading, which can barely describe the fracture characteristics of shale during hydraulic fracturing. This paper proposes to define the brittleness index based on the Brazilian splitting test and establishes a corresponding evaluation method, forming a tensile brittleness evaluation system for noncontinuous shale. The Brazilian splitting test and discrete element numerical simulation are carried out to study the crack distribution characteristics after tensile failure as well as the influence of anisotropy and scale effect on the brittleness of shale. The results show that the tensile brittleness index is more accurate and sensitive to condition changes than the compressive brittleness index. The experimental shale cores are from the Longmaxi formation, Silurian system, Sichuan basin.
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.
