Numerical investigation of the effects of fracturing fluid parameters on hydraulic fracture propagation in jointed rock mass based on peridynamics

Abstract

In this study, we develop a coupled hydraulic fracturing model based on peridynamics, propose a contact-friction constitutive model, and establish a bond breaking criterion based on bond stress to explore hydraulic fracture propagation in jointed rock. Subsequently, we study the effects of fracturing fluid parameters (viscosity and pumping rate) on the fracture propagation behavior. Our results show that the viscosity of fracturing fluid can significantly affect the fracture morphology and propagation pattern. Fracturing fluid with higher viscosity is beneficial for the hydraulic fracture to cross natural fractures and continue to propagate in the original direction. The pumping rate mainly affects the fracture propagation speed and fracturing fluid pressure, but has limited influence on the fracture shape. Furthermore, the pumping rate has limited effect on the interaction between the hydraulic fracture and the natural fracture, but in general, lower pumping rate is conducive to the steady fracture propagation in jointed rock.