Abstract
The phase field feature of inclined hydraulic fracture propagation in naturally-layered rocks under stress boundaries is investigated by using a numerical method. Based on a phase field fracture model, the coupled governing equations of displacement field, phase field, and flow field concerning hydraulic fracturing in naturally-layered rocks were established. The equations were solved using the finite element method and the influences of initial stress field and stiffness contrast on the fracture patterns were deeply studied. The numerical simulations indicate that: 1) The ratio of vertical in-situ stress to horizontal in-situ stress (S v/S h) has a significant effect on propagation of the hydraulic fracture. With the increase in S v/S h, the hydraulic fracture deflects and propagates along the direction of S v, which is also the maximum in-situ stress; 2) The stiffness contrast of the two layers (E 1/E 2) has great influence on fracture penetration into the adjacent layer. For a low E 1/E 2, a singly-deflected scenario is observed because the fracture propagation is depressed by the stiff rock. With the increase in E 1/E 2, the hydraulic fracture more tends to penetrate into the adjacent layer.
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