Modelling Rock Fracture Induced By Hydraulic Pulses

Abstract Soft cyclic hydraulic fracturing has become an effective technology used in subsurface energy extraction which utilises flow pressure to fracture rock. This new technique induces fatigue of rock reduce the breakdown and potentially associated risk seismicity. To control process achieve desirable networks for enhanced permeability, response under stimulation needs be understood. However, mechanism stimulation-induced is rather unclear date there no implementation degradation modelling loading. makes accurate prediction impossible. paper develops a numerical method model induced by pulses with consideration fatigue. The based on S–N curves ( S stress N cycles failure) implemented into constitutive relationship using in-house FORTRAN scripts ABAQUS solver. cohesive crack simulate discrete propagation coupled pore capability. developed validated via experimental results pulsating effects rate frequency injection borehole development are investigated. A loading strategy proposed. It been found that can 10–18% upon 10–4000 cycles. Using strategy, slow steady obtained while failure reduced.