Characterizing the influence of stress-induced microcracks on the laboratory strength and fracture development in brittle rocks using a finite-discrete element method-micro discrete fracture network FDEM-μDFN approach

Heterogeneity is an inherent component of rock and may be present in different forms including mineralheterogeneity, geometrical heterogeneity, weak grain boundaries and micro-defects. Microcracks areusually observed in crystalline rocks in two forms： natural and stress-induced; the amount of stressinducedmicrocracking increases with depth and in-situ stress. Laboratory results indicate that thephysical properties of rocks such as strength, deformability, P-wave velocity and permeability areinfluenced by increase in microcrack intensity. In this study, the finite-discrete element method （FDEM）is used to model microcrack heterogeneity by introducing into a model sample sets of microcracks usingthe proposed micro discrete fracture network （mDFN） approach. The characteristics of the microcracksrequired to create mDFN models are obtained through image analyses of thin sections of Lac du Bonnetgranite adopted from published literature. A suite of two-dimensional laboratory tests including uniaxial,triaxial compression and Brazilian tests is simulated and the results are compared with laboratory data.The FDEM-mDFN models indicate that micro-heterogeneity has a profound influence on both the mechanicalbehavior and resultant fracture pattern. An increase in the microcrack intensity leads to areduction in the strength of the sample and changes the character of the rock strength envelope. Spallingand axial splitting dominate the failure mode at low confinement while shear failure is the dominantfailure mode at high confinement. Numerical results from simulated compression tests show thatmicrocracking reduces the cohesive component of strength alone, and the frictional strength componentremains unaffected. Results from simulated Brazilian tests show that the tensile strength is influenced bythe presence of microcracks, with a reduction in tensile strength as microcrack intensity increases. Theimportance of microcrack heterogeneity in reproducing a bi-linear or S-shape failure envelope and itseffects on the mechanisms leading to spalling damage near an underground opening are also discussed.

Assessing fracturing mechanisms and evolution of excavation damaged zone of tunnels in interlocked rock masses at high stresses using a finitediscrete element approach

Deep underground excavations within hard rocks can result in damage to the surrounding rock mass mostly due to redistribution of stresses.Especially within rock masses with non-persistent joints,the role of the pre-existing joints in the damage evolution around the underground opening is of critical importance as they govern the fracturing mechanisms and influence the brittle responses of these hard rock masses under highly anisotropic in situ stresses.In this study,the main focus is the impact of joint network geometry,joint strength and applied field stresses on the rock mass behaviours and the evolution of excavation induced damage due to the loss of confinement as a tunnel face advances.Analysis of such a phenomenon was conducted using the finite-discrete element method (FDEM).The numerical model is initially calibrated in order to match the behaviour of the fracture-free,massive Lac du Bonnet granite during the excavation of the Underground Research Laboratory (URL) Test Tunnel,Canada.The influence of the pre-existing joints on the rock mass response during excavation is investigated by integrating discrete fracture networks (DFNs) of various characteristics into the numerical models under varying in situ stresses.The numerical results obtained highlight the significance of the pre-existing joints on the reduction of in situ rock mass strength and its capacity for extension with both factors controlling the brittle response of the material.Furthermore,the impact of spatial distribution of natural joints on the stability of an underground excavation is discussed,as well as the potentially minor influence of joint strength on the stress induced damage within joint systems of a non-persistent nature under specific conditions.Additionally,the in situ stress-joint network interaction is examined,revealing the complex fracturing mechanisms that may lead to uncontrolled fracture propagation that compromises the overall stability of an underground excavation.

Complex fracture propagation model and plugging timing optimization for temporary plugging fracturing in naturally fractured shale

In this paper,a viscoelasticity-plastic damage constitutive equation for naturally fractured shale is deduced,coupling nonlinear tensile-shear mixed fracture mode.Dynamic perforation-erosion on fluid re-distribution among multi-clusters are considered as well.DFN-FEM(discrete fracture network combined with finite element method)was developed to simulate the multi-cluster complex fractures propagation within temporary plugging fracturing(TPF).Numerical results are matched with field injection and micro-seismic monitoring data.Based on geomechanical characteristics of Weiyuan deep shale gas reservoir in Sichuan Basin,SW China,a multi-cluster complex fractures propagation model is built for TPF.To study complex fractures propagation and the permeability-enhanced region evolution,intersecting and competition mechanisms between the fractures before and after TPF treatment are revealed.Simulation results show that:fracture from middle cluster is restricted by the fractures from side-clusters,and side-clusters plugging is benefit for multi fractures propagation in uniformity;optimized TPF timing should be delayed within a higher density or strike of natural fractures;Within a reservoir-featured natural fractures distribution,optimized TPF timing for most clustered method is 2/3 of total fluid injection time as the optimal plugging time under different clustering modes.

Assessment of strain bursting in deep tunnelling by using the finite-discrete element method

Rockbursting in deep tunnelling is a complex phenomenon posing significant challenges both at the design and construction stages of an underground excavation within hard rock masses and under high in situ stresses. While local experience, field monitoring, and informed data-rich analysis are some of the tools commonly used to manage the hazards and the associated risks, advanced numerical techniques based on discontinuum modelling have also shown potential in assisting in the assessment of rockbursting. In this study, the hybrid finite-discrete element method(FDEM) is employed to investigate the failure and fracturing processes, and the mechanisms of energy storage and rapid release resulting in bursting, as well as to assess its utility as part of the design process of underground excavations.Following the calibration of the numerical model to simulate a deep excavation in a hard, massive rock mass, discrete fracture network(DFN) geometries are integrated into the model in order to examine the impact of rock structure on rockbursting under high in situ stresses. The obtained analysis results not only highlight the importance of explicitly simulating pre-existing joints within the model, as they affect the mobilised failure mechanisms and the intensity of strain bursting phenomena, but also show how the employed joint network geometry, the field stress conditions, and their interaction influence the extent and depth of the excavation induced damage. Furthermore, a rigorous analysis of the mass and velocity of the ejected rock blocks and comparison of the obtained data with well-established semi-empirical approaches demonstrate the potential of the method to provide realistic estimates of the kinetic energy released during bursting for determining the energy support demand.

Numerical investigation of dual-porosity model with transient transfer function based on discrete-fracture model

Based on the characteristics of fractures in naturally fractured reservoir and a discrete-fracture model, a fracture network numerical well test model is developed. Bottom hole pressure response curves and the pressure field are obtained by solving the model equations with the finite-element method. By analyzing bottom hole pressure curves and the fluid flow in the pressure field, seven flow stages can be recognized on the curves. An upscaling method is developed to compare with the dual-porosity model （DPM）. The comparisons results show that the DPM overestimates the inter-porosity coefficient ）, and the storage factor w. The analysis results show that fracture conductivity plays a leading role in the fluid flow. Matrix permeability influences the beginning time of flow from the matrix to fractures. Fractures density is another important parameter controlling the flow. The fracture linear flow is hidden under the large fracture density. The pressure propagation is slower in the direction of larger fracture density.

长径比对TiB/Ti6Al4V网状复合材料力学行为的影响

目的针对高性能钛基复合材料开发过程中所面临的强韧性倒置问题,对网状构型钛基复合材料拉伸行为进行仿真,以揭示增强体长径比对材料强度与韧性的影响机理。方法针对TiB/Ti6Al4V网状构型复合材料体系,构建增强相长径比不同的复合材料有限元模型,分别进行拉伸行为仿真,并对其应力-应变曲线、应力集中系数、应力云图和应变云图等进行预测与分析。结果随着增强相TiB长径比的增大,复合材料的断裂伸长率单调递增,弹性模量与抗拉强度则呈先下降后上升的趋势。结论增强相长径比是影响复合材料力学性能的重要参数。增强相的长径比和局部体积分数的共同作用导致复合材料模量和强度随长径比的增大先降低后升高。此外,随着TiB长径比的增大,断口更加曲折,主裂纹多次偏转扩展方向,并沿着TiBw/Ti6Al4V-Ti6Al4V“限域”界面扩展,进而消耗了大量的体系能量,这对材料韧化有积极影响。

裂缝性页岩暂堵压裂复杂裂缝扩展模型与暂堵时机

通过修正页岩水力裂缝非线性拉-剪混合模式的黏弹塑性损伤本构方程,考虑射孔簇之间的流体竞争分流和压裂液对孔眼的动态冲蚀效应,发展了基于离散裂缝网络全局嵌入有限元法(DFN-FEM)的暂堵裂缝扩展数值算法,并通过现场压裂施工监测参数进行了验证。针对四川盆地深层页岩特征,建立了多簇复杂裂缝的交错扩展数值模型,开展了水平井多簇裂缝竞争扩展形态及泄流面积研究,分析了暂堵前后复杂裂缝的竞争干扰及交错扩展规律,优化了不同天然裂缝走向、密度及分簇方式下的暂堵时机。研究表明,两侧射孔簇的裂缝扩展对中间簇裂缝有显著限制作用,暂堵两侧裂缝有利于各簇均匀扩展;天然裂缝密度越高或天然裂缝走向越低,最优暂堵时机越靠后;威远页岩气天然裂缝分布特征下,不同分簇方式下最优暂堵时机以注液总时长的2/3为主。

Productivity analysis of a fractured horizontal well in a shale gas reservoir based on discrete fracture network model

The treatment of horizontal wells with massive hydraulic fracturing technology is important for the economical development of shale gas reservoirs, but sometimes is complex because of the induced fractures during the fracturing process. The studies of the fluid flow characteristics in such formations are rare. In this study, a numerical method based on a finite element method (FEM) is developed for the productivity analysis of a horizontal well in a shale gas reservoir with complex fractures. The proposed method takes into account the adsorbed gas and the complex hydraulic fracture branches. To make the problem more tractable, the dimension of the fracture system is reduced from 2-D to 1-D based on the discrete fracture network (DFN) model. The accuracy of the new method is verified by comparing its results with those obtained by the Saphir commercial software. Finally, the productivity of the fractured horizontal wells in shale gas reservoirs with complex fractures systems is evaluated and analyzed. Results show that if a well is produced with a constant bottomhole pressure, the well productivity is much increased due to the existence of fracture branches that can increase the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). In addition, the number of hydraulic fractures (Nf) and the fracture halMengths (Lf) have an important influence on the well's productivity. The larger the values of Nf,Lf,the greater the well productivity will be. The existence of adsorbed gas can markedly improve the well productivity, and the greater the Langmuir volume, the greater the productivity will be. The conclusions drawn by this study can provide a guidance for the development of unconventional shale gas reservoirs.

岩体离散裂隙网络的非饱和渗流数值分析

针对裂隙岩体的非饱和渗流问题,基于离散裂隙网络模型并结合非饱和Darcy定律、Richards方程、非饱和本构模型以及Signorini型饱和-非饱和互补溢出边界,提出了离散裂隙网络非饱和渗流问题的数学模型。采用有限单元法建立了裂隙网络非饱和渗流模型的数值求解格式和对应的迭代算法。通过与矩形坝稳定渗流、一维竖直裂隙非饱和入渗以及室内二维瞬态排水渗流的试验、数值及理论结果对比分析,验证了文中算法的有效性;根据流量等效原则,指出了裂隙网络模型应用于求解连续介质非饱和渗流问题的有效性。验证了该算法对于求解裂隙边坡降雨入渗问题的可靠性,揭示了降雨入渗过程裂隙网络流量分布的非均匀性及裂隙产状对降雨入渗流动具有重要的控制作用。

天然裂缝性油藏的离散裂缝网络数值模拟方法

针对裂缝性油藏中大裂缝、微细裂缝和孔隙等多种储渗介质共存的现象,将大裂缝作为控制流体流动的一维实体,组成离散裂缝网络,进行显式表示,将孔隙和微细裂缝组成的系统作为基岩介质,建立了天然裂缝性油藏两维两相数值模拟模型。采用加权余量法,建立有限元方程并进行了求解。对油藏有无裂缝及大裂缝的方位、长度和分布对水驱油的影响进行了研究。结果表明:大裂缝的存在会严重改变水驱油藏中注入水前缘的前进方向和速度,大裂缝与注采井间连线夹角越小及长度越大,都会导致注入水窜进越严重,从而使得油井见水早,含水率高;多条大裂缝的存在会造成剩余油分布的极度非均质及剩余油富集区的形成。

缝洞型油藏的离散缝洞网络流动数学模型

针对现有油藏渗流理论在描述缝洞型油藏流动机理上存在的困难,基于缝洞型油藏储层的特点,提出了离散缝洞网络流动数学模型。该模型将缝洞型油藏划分为岩块系统、裂缝系统和溶洞系统;其中裂缝和溶洞嵌套于岩块中,并相互连接成网络;岩块和裂缝系统视为渗流区域,溶洞系统视为自由流动区域。阐述了模型的基本原理,推导了相应的有限元数值计算格式,通过算例验证了其正确性。算例分析结果表明,离散缝洞网络流动数学模型能够正确地描述出缝洞型油藏的流动特征。

页岩储层复杂裂缝扩展研究

页岩储层孔隙度和渗透率低,岩石脆性大,天然裂缝发育。大规模水力压裂过程中,页岩储层易发生张性破坏和剪切破坏相结合的复合破坏,形成复杂网状裂缝,而网状裂缝的展布形态关系到页岩压裂方案的设计和压后产能的评估。针对页岩储层网状裂缝扩展问题,基于流-固耦合方程和损伤力学原理,建立了二维网状裂缝扩展有限元模型。综合研究认为:水平主应力差增大,压裂裂缝分布长度增加,分布宽度降低,长宽比增大;压裂施工排量降低,压裂裂缝复杂程度降低,压裂裂缝分支数减少,分布长度增加,分布宽度降低,长宽比增大;水平井"多段分簇"压裂可能出现多裂缝干扰问题,部分压裂裂缝在延伸过程中止裂或者沟通两端射孔簇的压裂裂缝;水平井"多段分簇"压裂过程中,各个射孔簇形成的压裂裂缝分支长度差别较大,部分裂缝分支长度明显大于其他裂缝分支。

离散裂缝性油藏数值模拟方法

针对存在控制油水流动方向的离散裂缝性油藏难以进行数值模拟的问题,提出对该类油藏进行数值模拟的改进方法;在离散裂缝网络模型的基础上,分别给出流体在裂缝-基质和裂缝间的窜流方程,建立含有该窜流项的基岩系统和裂缝系统的数学模型,并采用有限单元法进行数值求解,得到包含时间项的压力和饱和度的总特征矩阵方程.模拟检验结果表明该方法具有良好的模拟效果.

三维裂隙网络非稳定渗流数值分析

研究裂隙岩体中渗透水流随时间、边界条件的变化规律,从而客观反映渗透水流情况,具有重要的意义。本文针对分布特别稀疏的三维主干岩体裂隙网络,以渗流区内的水量平衡原理为依据建立基本方程,推导三维岩体裂隙网络非稳定渗流的基本方程;并将三维裂隙网络渗流理论及有限元数值方法运用于主干岩体裂隙网络渗流分析中。基于裂隙岩体网络非稳定渗流数学模型,编制相应的程序。对于工程实例,根据实测情况利用Monte-Carlo模拟出岩体中二级裂隙网络分布情况进行分析,然后进行了三维非稳定渗流分析。计算结果充分体现了岩体中裂隙网络的储水性,当边界条件发生变化时,裂隙岩体中水头分布变化存在一定的滞后性;并表明主干裂隙的强导水性,使得裂隙岩体中的主干裂隙的渗流分析成为渗流分析中的重点。

基于混合方法的二维水力压裂数值模拟

水力压裂在页岩气开采中被广泛使用,采用数值方法研究压裂机理具有重要意义.基于连续-非连续单元法(CDEM)和中心型有限体积法(FVM),提出解决水力压裂流固耦合问题的二维混合数值计算模型.该混合模型中,使用CDEM求解应力场和裂缝扩展过程,使用FVM求解裂隙渗流场.应力场、裂缝扩展和渗流场均使用显式迭代求解,并通过相互之间数据交换实现流固耦合.通过与KGD理论模型进行对比,验证数值模型的正确性.通过与颗粒离散元数值结果进行对比,验证数值模型的有效性.通过计算复杂缝网压裂模型,研究水力压裂机理,并说明该数值模型在水力压裂模拟中具有很好的前景.

花岗岩储层裂缝评价及其横向预测

罗利，任兴国，姚声贤．花岗岩储层裂缝评价及其横向预测，测井技术，１９９８，２２（３）：２０４～２０７分析了研究区块花岗岩的岩电特征。用密度、中子资料确定其岩石成分；用常规资料准确识别裂缝，识别结果与井周声波成像处理结果吻合；用地层倾角描述裂缝类型和产状；用有限元素法反演研究区块的应力场，将得到的应力场参数与测井处理的裂缝发育度结合，设计神经网络进行网络训练，得到将应力场转换为裂缝发育度的模型；使用模型参数，得出每一单元的裂缝发育度，根据裂缝发育度的大小分布预测出研究区块的裂缝发育带。这种裂缝发育带横向预测技术更合理，预测结果更可信。

岩体离散裂隙网络稳定性计算的节理有限元法

通过对广乐高速公路坪石至樟市段大量裂隙岩体边坡的稳定性研究认为:客观的地质模型、恰当的本构关系、正确的计算参数、有效的计算方法是裂隙岩体模拟计算的4个关键问题,抓住并解决好这4个方面的问题,是裂隙岩体数值分析取得可靠成果的关键。提出裂隙岩体稳定性模拟计算的节理有限元法(JFEM),视裂隙岩体为由岩块和离散裂隙网络组成的二元结构,同时考虑岩块和离散裂隙的属性,充分体现岩块和岩块接触作用的非线性关系。首先,基于Jaeger单结构面理论,应用JFEM计算裂隙岩体的抗压强度,以验证JFEM的可靠性;其次,引入离散裂隙网络模型(DFN),重点探讨基于Voronoi模型、Baecher模型和Veneziano模型的裂隙岩体稳定性计算问题,岩块和节理的本构关系分别采用广义的Hoek-Brown准则和Barton-Bandis剪切强度准则,应用强度折减法计算裂隙岩体的稳定系数,并对裂隙岩体网络模型中关键参数取值对岩体的稳定性影响进行探讨。研究结果可为裂隙岩体的稳定性评价提供一个新的思路,为工程决策提供理论依据。

基于有限元裂缝网络的压裂液滤失模拟

压裂液滤失速度是水力压裂设计分析中的重要参数之一,对于裂缝性储层,它可以用裂缝型储集层压裂液滤失数学模型来计算,但是现有的压裂液滤失数学模型并没有考虑天然裂缝呈不规则网络分布且形态复杂这些因素对滤失的影响。因此,在考虑这些因素的前提下,以压裂液沿着天然裂缝向基质渗滤为基础,建立了裂缝网络的等效连续介质滤失模型,运用有限元方法求得了数值解。新方法能模拟复杂裂缝形态对滤失过程中压力分布的影响,克服了传统方法不能模拟裂缝弯曲、相交、方位变化等对滤失影响的局限。

岩体三维主干裂隙网络渗流分析

基于流体力学的基本理论和二维岩体裂隙网络渗流原理 ,推广得到了三维岩体裂隙网络渗流基本方程。将三维岩体裂隙网络渗流理论及有限元数值方法应用于主干岩体裂隙网络渗流分析中 。

裂隙岩体地下水运动随机有限元分析方法

根据单个裂隙的单元等效渗透系数张量的表达式,提出基于三维随机裂隙网络的裂隙岩体地下水运动随机性有限元分析方法并编制了相应的程序,算例分析表明,基于单元等效渗透系数张量,采用基于三维随机裂隙网络的裂隙岩体地下水运动随机性有限元分析方法分析三维随机裂隙网络地下水运动,反映了裂隙岩体地下水的随机性分布。