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Article
Publication date: 18 October 2018

Xiaoming Tian and Pingchuan Dong

In petroleum industry, hydraulic fracturing is essential to enhance oil productivity. The hydraulic fractures are usually generated in the process of hydraulic fracturing

Abstract

Purpose

In petroleum industry, hydraulic fracturing is essential to enhance oil productivity. The hydraulic fractures are usually generated in the process of hydraulic fracturing. Although some mathematical models were proposed to analyze the well-flow behavior of conventional fracture, there are few models to depict unconventional fracture like reorientation fracture. To figure out the effect of reorientation fracture on production enhancement and guide the further on-site operating, this paper aims to investigate the well-flow behavior of vertical reorientation fracture in horizontal permeability anisotropic reservoir.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the governing equation considering horizontal permeability anisotropy, the mathematical models for reorientation fractures in infinite reservoir are developed by using the principle of superposition. Furthermore, a rectangular closed drainage area is also considered to investigate the well-flow behavior of reorientation fracture, and the mathematical models are developed by using Green’s and source functions.

Findings

Computational results indicate that the flux distribution of infinite conductivity fracture is uniform at very early times. After a period, it will stabilize eventually. High permeability anisotropy and small inclination angle of reorientation will cause significant end point effect in the infinite conductivity fracture. The reorientation fractures with small inclination angle in high anisotropic reservoir are capable of improving 1-1.5 times more oil productivity in total.

Originality/value

This paper develops the mathematical methods to study the well-flow behavior for unconventional fracture, especially for reorientation fracture. The results validate the production enhancement effect of reorientation fracture and identify the sensitive parameters of productivity.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 35 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 January 2023

Yongliang Wang and Nana Liu

The unstable dynamic propagation of multistage hydrofracturing fractures leads to uneven development of the fracture network and research on the mechanism controlling this…

Abstract

Purpose

The unstable dynamic propagation of multistage hydrofracturing fractures leads to uneven development of the fracture network and research on the mechanism controlling this phenomenon indicates that the stress shadow effects around the fractures are the main mechanism causing this behaviour. Further studies and simulations of the stress shadow effects are necessary to understand the controlling mechanism and evaluate the fracturing effect.

Design/methodology/approach

In the process of stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of fractures, there are both continuous stress fields and discontinuous fractures; therefore, in order to study the stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multistage fracture networks, a series of continuum-discontinuum numerical methods and models are reviewed, including the well-developed extended finite element method, displacement discontinuity method, boundary element method and finite element-discrete element method.

Findings

The superposition of the surrounding stress field during fracture propagation causes different degrees of stress shadow effects between fractures and the main controlling factors of stress shadow effects are fracture initiation sequence, perforation cluster spacing and well spacing. The perforation cluster spacing varies with the initiation sequence, resulting in different stress shadow effects between fractures; for example, the smaller the perforation cluster spacing and well spacing are, the stronger the stress shadow effects are and the more seriously the fracture propagation inhibition arises. Moreover, as the spacing of perforation clusters and well spacing increases, the stress shadow effects decrease and the fracture propagation follows an almost straight pattern. In addition, the computed results of the dynamic distribution of stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of fractures under different stress fields are summarised.

Originality/value

A state-of-art review of stress shadow effects and continuum-discontinuum methods for stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures are well summarized and analysed. This paper can provide a reference for those engaged in the research of unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic structures and have a comprehensive grasp of the research in this field.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2023

Yang Li and Tianxiang Lan

This paper aims to employ a multivariate nonlinear regression analysis to establish a predictive model for the final fracture area, while accounting for the impact of individual…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to employ a multivariate nonlinear regression analysis to establish a predictive model for the final fracture area, while accounting for the impact of individual parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis is based on the numerical simulation data obtained, using the hybrid finite element–discrete element (FE–DE) method. The forecasting model was compared with the numerical results and the accuracy of the model was evaluated by the root mean square (RMS) and the RMS error, the mean absolute error and the mean absolute percentage error.

Findings

The multivariate nonlinear regression model can accurately predict the nonlinear relationships between injection rate, leakoff coefficient, elastic modulus, permeability, Poisson’s ratio, pore pressure and final fracture area. The regression equations obtained from the Newton iteration of the least squares method are strong in terms of the fit to the six sensitive parameters, and the model follow essentially the same trend with the numerical simulation data, with no systematic divergence detected. Least absolutely deviation has a significantly weaker performance than the least squares method. The percentage contribution of sensitive parameters to the final fracture area is available from the simulation results and forecast model. Injection rate, leakoff coefficient, permeability, elastic modulus, pore pressure and Poisson’s ratio contribute 43.4%, −19.4%, 24.8%, −19.2%, −21.3% and 10.1% to the final fracture area, respectively, as they increased gradually. In summary, (1) the fluid injection rate has the greatest influence on the final fracture area. (2)The multivariate nonlinear regression equation was optimally obtained after 59 iterations of the least squares-based Newton method and 27 derivative evaluations, with a decidability coefficient R2 = 0.711 representing the model reliability and the regression equations fit the four parameters of leakoff coefficient, permeability, elastic modulus and pore pressure very satisfactorily. The models follow essentially the identical trend with the numerical simulation data and there is no systematic divergence. The least absolute deviation has a significantly weaker fit than the least squares method. (3)The nonlinear forecasting model of physical parameters of hydraulic fracturing established in this paper can be applied as a standard for optimizing the fracturing strategy and predicting the fracturing efficiency in situ field and numerical simulation. Its effectiveness can be trained and optimized by experimental and simulation data, and taking into account more basic data and establishing regression equations, containing more fracturing parameters will be the further research interests.

Originality/value

The nonlinear forecasting model of physical parameters of hydraulic fracturing established in this paper can be applied as a standard for optimizing the fracturing strategy and predicting the fracturing efficiency in situ field and numerical simulation. Its effectiveness can be trained and optimized by experimental and simulation data, and taking into account more basic data and establishing regression equations, containing more fracturing parameters will be the further research interests.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2023

Bin Chen, Quanlin Zhou and Yuan Wang

Thermal fractures initiated under cooling at the surfaces of a 2-D or 3-D structure propagate, arrest and coalesce, leading to its structural failure and material-property…

Abstract

Purpose

Thermal fractures initiated under cooling at the surfaces of a 2-D or 3-D structure propagate, arrest and coalesce, leading to its structural failure and material-property changes, while the same processes can happen in the rock mass between parallel hydraulic fractures filled with cold fluid, leading to enhanced fracture connectivity and permeability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a 2-D plane strain fracture model for mixed-mode thermal fractures from two parallel cooling surfaces. Fracture propagation was governed by the theory of linear elastic fracture mechanics, while the displacement and temperature fields were discretized using the adaptive finite element method. This model was validated using two numerical benchmarks with strong fracture curvature and then used to simulate the propagation and coalescence of thermal fractures in a long rock mass.

Findings

Modeling results show two regimes: (1) thermal fractures from a cooling surface propagate and arrest by following the theoretical solutions of half-plane fractures before the unfractured portion decreases to 20% rock-mass width and (2) some pairs of fractures from the opposite cooling surfaces tend to eventually coalesce. The fracture coalescence time is in a power law with rock-mass width.

Originality/value

These findings are relevant to both subsurface engineering and material engineering: structure failure is a key concern in the latter, while fracture coalescence can enhance the connectivity of thermal and hydraulic fractures and thus reservoir permeability in the former.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 December 2022

Changhui Song, Junfei Huang, Linqing Liu, Zehua Hu, Yongqiang Yang, Di Wang and Chao Yang

This paper aims to better control the mechanical properties and functional properties of NiTi alloy.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to better control the mechanical properties and functional properties of NiTi alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

NiTi alloy samples with equal atomic ratio were formed by selective laser melting (SLM). X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy and tensile testing methods were used to study the effects of different laser power and scanning speed on the densification behavior, phase transformation characteristics and mechanical properties of NiTi alloy.

Findings

Compared with the laser power, the variation of the keyhole effect caused by the change of scanning speed is more intense, which has a greater effect on the densification behavior of SLM NiTi alloy. The effect of the laser power on the phase transition temperature is small. The increase of scanning speed weakens the burning degree of Ni element, so phase transition temperature decreases. The results of DSC test and tensile test show that the scanning velocity can significantly change the phase transition temperature, martensite twins reorientation and stress–strain behavior of SLM NiTi alloy.

Originality/value

This study provides a potential method to regulate the mechanical properties and functional properties of NiTi shape memory alloy in the future and NiTi alloys formed by SLM with good elongation were obtained because the Supercellular crystal structure formed during the nonequilibrium solidification of SLM and the superfine precipitates dispersed in the alloy prevented the dislocation formation.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Expert briefing
Publication date: 15 January 2016

Belarus's move towards EU and away from Moscow.

Article
Publication date: 20 April 2015

Sophia Ziemian, Maryvivian Okwara and Constance Wilkens Ziemian

This paper aims to define the effect of specimen mesostructure on the monotonic tensile behavior and tensile-fatigue life of layered acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS…

2557

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to define the effect of specimen mesostructure on the monotonic tensile behavior and tensile-fatigue life of layered acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) components fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM).

Design/methodology/approach

Tensile tests were performed on FDM dogbone specimens with four different raster orientations according to ASTM standard D638-03. Resulting ultimate tensile stresses (UTS) for each raster orientation were used to compute the maximum stress for fatigue testing, i.e. 90, 75, 60 and 50 or 45 per cent nominal values of the UTS. Multiple specimens were subjected to tension – tension fatigue cycling with stress ratio of R = 0.10 in accordance with ASTM standard D7791-12.

Findings

Both tensile strength and fatigue performance exhibited anisotropic behavior. The longitudinal (0°) and default (+45/−45°) raster orientations performed significantly better than the diagonal (45°) or transverse (90°) orientations in regards to fatigue life, as displayed in the resulting Wohler curves.

Practical implications

Raster orientation has a significant effect on the fatigue performance of FDM ABS components. Aligning FDM fibers along the axis of the applied stress provides improved fatigue life. If the direction of applied stresses is not expected to be constant in given application, the default raster orientation is recommended.

Originality/value

This project provides knowledge to the limited work published on the fatigue performance of FDM ABS components. It provides S-N fatigue life results that can serve as a foundation for future work, combining experimental investigations with theoretical principles and the statistical analysis of data.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2017

Annemaree Lloyd

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a range of sensitising themes that may help to frame the emerging concept of fractured landscapes.

2507

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a range of sensitising themes that may help to frame the emerging concept of fractured landscapes.

Design/methodology/approach

Key concepts are drawn from the forced migration field, from social theory and from Library and information science research to frame the concept of fractured landscape research. Methodological and ethical aspects that influence research are also introduced.

Findings

The importance of nomenclature is identified in relation to designations of refugee and migrant. The concept of a fractured landscape provides a suitable way of describing the disruption that is caused to refugees’ information landscapes in the process of transition and resettlement. The sensitising themes such as the exilic journey, liminality, integration, bonding and bridging capital are introduced to provide a way of framing a deeper analysis of the information experience of people who must reconcile previously established ways of knowing with the new landscapes related to transition and resettlement.

Originality/value

Original paper that introduces an emerging conceptual framework and a range of questions that may be useful to library and information science researchers who wish to pursue research that contributes to the humanitarian area or library services.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 73 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2017

Joao Luiz do Vale, Carlos Henrique da Silva and Carlos M.G. da Silva Cruz

The purpose of this article is to discuss the tribological behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and property changes imposed by wear tests.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss the tribological behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and property changes imposed by wear tests.

Design/methodology/approach

Long-duration dry wear tests were carried out in a sliding bearing on shaft tribometer. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were performed in the PTFE in its original condition and after the tests.

Findings

The wear products merged in multilayer films and were expelled out of the test sequence. Through DSC and FTIR analyses in the polymeric material, before and after tests, it was possible to verify an increase of the crystallinity degree of PTFE, as well as absence of crystalline fusion of the material. The wear products presented changes in the infrared spectra, which suggests the occurrence of some bonds of hydrogen and oxygen.

Originality/value

It was verified on correlation that fibril mechanism, which occurred during PTFE wear, and its crystallinity degree increase. Also, analysis of PTFE wear products showed CO and CH bonds, which were imposed by wear test.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 69 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2023

Yongliang Wang

The purpose of this study is to investigate the unstable propagation of parallel hydraulic fractures induced by interferences of adjacent perforation clusters and thermal…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the unstable propagation of parallel hydraulic fractures induced by interferences of adjacent perforation clusters and thermal diffusion. Fracture propagation in the process of multistage fracturing of a rock mass is deflected owing to various factors. Hydrofracturing of rock masses in deep tight reservoirs involves thermal diffusion, fluid flow and deformation of rock between the rock matrix and fluid in pores and fractures.

Design/methodology/approach

To study the unstable propagation behaviours of three-dimensional (3D) parallel hydraulic fractures induced by the interferences of adjacent perforation clusters and thermal diffusion, a 3D engineering-scale numerical model is established under different fracturing scenarios (sequential, simultaneous and alternate fracturing) and different perforation cluster spacings while considering the thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling effect. Stress disturbance region caused by fracture propagation in a deep tight rock mass is superimposed and overlaid with multiple fractures, resulting in a stress shadow effect and fracture deflection.

Findings

The results show that the size of the stress shadow areas and the interaction between fractures increase with decreasing multiple perforation cluster spacing in horizontal wells. Alternate fracturing can produce more fracture areas and improve the fracturing effect compared with those of sequential and simultaneous fracturing. The larger the temperature gradient between the fracturing fluid and rock matrix, the stronger the thermal diffusion effect, and the effect of thermal diffusion on the fracture propagation is significant.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the behaviours of the unstable dynamic propagation of 3D parallel hydraulic fractures induced by the interferences of adjacent perforation clusters and thermal diffusion. Further, the temperature field affects the fracture deflection requires could be investigated from the mechanisms; this paper is to study the unstable propagation of fractures in single horizontal well, which can provide a basis for fracture propagation and stress field disturbance in multiple horizontal wells.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

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