Morphology of multiple constant height hydraulic fractures versus propagation regime

The purpose of this study is to investigate morphology simultaneously propagating hydraulic fractures. Simultaneous propagation fractures occurs during stimulation horizontal wells, and, in particular, several initiation points or perforation intervals along the well are often used promote growth multiple at same time. Numerical simulations demonstrate that there situations, which stress interaction between minimal and results a very similar geometry each fracture. At time, for some other parameters, strong, so interact with develop complex shapes. By focusing on constant height fractures, it shown dimensionless parameter controls such behavior. In toughness dominated regime lead shapes, while when fluid viscosity dominates response, then more regular uniform. A series numerical examples presented illustrate findings.