Numerical Simulation of Multi-Fracture Propagation Based on the Extended Finite Element Method

Multi-stage, multi-cluster fracturing in horizontal wells is widely used as one of the most effective methods for unconventional reservoir transformation. This study based on extended finite element method and establishes a multi-hydraulic propagation model that couples rock damage, stress, fluid flow, influence stress difference cluster spacing fracture quantitatively analyzed. The simulation results show changes differences inter-cluster have significant impact final morphology hydraulic fractures, change initiation sequence forms different shadow areas, which turn affects fractures. When two fractures simultaneously propagate, they will eventually form “repulsive” deviation, smaller decrease lead to more deviation fracture. Specifically, when 4 MPa 6 m, offset tip along direction minimum principal about 1.6 compared initial perforation position. propagate sequentially, do not significantly deviate maximum stress. has little effect fracture, but affect length quantifies inter-fracture interference morphology, providing guidance optimizing construction parameters multi-stage fracturing.