Abstract
Since fracture morphology is jointly influenced by inter-cluster interference and natural fractures, multi-cluster fracture propagation behaviors are complicated during staged volume fracturing. Although there are many studies on complex fracture propagation, the engineering-scale investigation of multi-cluster fracture interactive propagation behaviors is still needed. In this paper, a coupled fracture propagation PF model is developed and an engineering-scale natural fracture characterization method based on seismic interpretation results is introduced. The effectiveness of the model is validated by comparing fracture propagation behaviors with the fracturing experimental result, and this model is applied to study interactive behaviors of multi-cluster fractures in fractured shale. The results indicate that inter-cluster stress interference affects the induced stress field and leads to merging, diverting, and restraining fracture behaviors, activating NFs can effectively reduce the interference and is beneficial for forming complex fractures, and the NF occurrence is a decisive factor that affected fracture morphologies. To enhance the stimulation efficiency, the fracturing mode with multi-cluster and close-spacing is recommended for fractured shale stimulation.
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