Numerical simulation of hydraulic fracturing: A hybrid FEM‐based algorithm

In this paper, a problem of numerical simulation hydraulic fractures is considered. An efficient algorithm solution proposed for the plain strain model fracturing. The utilizes FEM-based subroutine to compute deformation fractured material. flow generalized Newtonian fluid in fracture modeled framework lubrication theory. way, architecture computational scheme relatively simple and enables one deal with advanced cases material properties configurations as well various rheological models fluid. particular, problems poroelasticity, plasticity, spatially varying can be analyzed. accuracy efficiency are verified against analytical benchmark solutions. capabilities demonstrated using example propagating complex geological settings.