Computational simulation of coupled poromechanical processes in deformable fractured and porous media.
Abstract not provided.
Warren, Maria Elizabeth↗
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Results for “fracture simulation”
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Hybrid Optimization Software Suite
The hybrid optimization software suite (HOSS) is a general purpose fully 2D/3D parallel combined finite discrete element (FDEM) code that can be used to simulate problems involving fracture and fragmentation processes, large deformation and large rotations, discrete particle systems, solid-fluid interaction in hydro fracture problems, etc. HOSS uses a hybrid approach that combines finite-element and discrete-element methods with a novel computational fluid dynamics solver. The finite-element method is often used to analyze a material or object and how it responds to stress. The discrete-element method analyzes stresses and displacements in a volume containing a large number of particles, such as grains of sand. Fluid dynamics analyzes the fluid flow inside, around, or through solid domains. With these processes combined, HOSS represents a paradigm shift when it comes to generating accurate simulations of material deformations and failure. HOSS can perform the following: Resolves problems that consist of millions of deforming fracturing, and interacting solid particles; Requires no coupling—it naturally integrates with all regimes of fluid flow; Resolves all regimes of fluid flow, such as Stokes, low/high Reynolds, subsonic/transonic/supersonic/hypersonic, compressible/incompressible, viscid/inviscid, Newtonian/Non-Newtonian and turbulent/laminar flow; Combines all flow regimes in the same solver; Numerically stable for all flow regimes; Naturally combines different flow regimes in the same problem; Possesses material library for fluid behavior; Naturally matches fluid solver to solid solver; Includes non-inertial Eulerian formulation for fluids; Uses highly efficient parallel computing based on the Virtual Parallel Machine, thus enabling easy porting between different parallel architectures, including possible future architectures; Designed specifically for multi-physics problems in research and industry in virtual experimentation format, thereby complementing both theoretical-computational and experimental tools; Can be extended to address millions of deforming solid particles immersed in fluid flowing at all regimes; Can be extended to address biological applications, such as modeling bone fracture or red blood cells in blood plasma
Knight, Earl E.↗
A discrete-continuum coupled finite element modelling approach for fibre reinforced concrete
Highlights: • An easy-to-implement but effective meso-scale modelling approach is developed for FRC. • It is capable of simulating and interpreting all main failure mechanisms in FRC. • It is critically validated by experiments with single or multiple random fibres under various loading conditions. • It can be used to optimise key design factors of FRC at meso/material scale by parametric studies. - Abstract: Fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) exhibits complicated failure modes such as fibre breakage, mortar cracking, crushing and spalling, fibre-mortar interfacial debonding, depending on many material properties, geometric dimensions, boundary and loading conditions. Most existing numerical models are unable to reproduce these failure modes that may occur simultaneously or sequentially in a specimen, mainly due to difficulties in generating finite element meshes with a large number of randomly-oriented fibres. Herein we develop a discrete-continuum coupled finite element modelling approach for FRC materials capable of effectively simulating all the major failure modes. The continuum damaged plasticity model is used to simulate damage and fracture behaviour of the mortar, while debonding of fibre-mortar interfaces is modelled by nonlinear cohesive interfacial elements. Unique techniques are devised to generate conforming meshes between fibres and the surrounding mortar so that the randomly-oriented fibres are easily modelled. The modelling approach is validated by simulating single fibre pullout tests with different inclination angles, notched and non-notched direct tensile tests and three-point bending beam tests with randomly-distributed multiple fibres.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Impact of Chemical and Mechanical Processes on Leakage from Damaged Wells in CO 2 Storage Sites
The perceived risk of CO 2 leakage through wells has been considered a potential limitation to commercial scale deployment of geologic CO 2 storage. However, chemical and mechanical alteration of cement can reduce the permeability of leakage pathways. We conducted 100s of simulations spanning realistic operating conditions and well-damage characteristics to understand (1) under what conditions and time frames do fractures seal and (2) for fractures that do not seal, how quickly and to what extent is the permeability reduced. For the conditions simulated, fractures with apertures in the tens of microns seal while those greater than hundreds of microns may exhibit long-term leakage. Fractures with apertures between 10 and 500 μm took a few days to a couple of years to seal. For non-sealing fractures mechanical deformation of altered asperities can rapidly reduce permeability. Here, a sealing criterion was developed to relate fracture aperture with the cemented length required for self-sealing. Longer cemented intervals can seal large fractures; however, they take longer to seal and leak larger volumes before sealing. While the results presented here are subject to uncertainties, the manuscript provides a framework in which a model can be used to quantitatively answer questions regarding well integrity to facilitate decision making.
58 GEOSCIENCES↗
Study of 3D Pores and Its Relationship with Crack Initiation Factors of Aluminum Alloy Die Castings
Observing different types of pores in aluminum alloy from A356 high-pressure die casting by X-ray computerized tomography and scanning electron microscopy, we found that equivalent spherical diameters of pores obeyed the 3-parameter lognormal distribution rather than the 2-parameter one. Statistically, the sphericity of most round gas pores with smooth inner surfaces consisting of oxide films was > 0.58, while the sphericity of shrinkage pores with unfractured dendrites was < 0.40. Sphericity range for the gas-shrinkage pores, composed of gas pores and shrinkage pores with long tails, was 0.40-0.58. Finite element analysis with simulation of the Von Mises stress distribution around the actual 3D pores among crack generation was performed. Tensile test simulation showed that cracks often originated from the shrinkage pores and the gas-shrinkage pores, rather than from the gas pores. This method also can be used to predict fracture strength of samples with pores. For our samples, results obtained using this method showed that simulated fracture strength was slightly higher than experimentally determined strength.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Numerical investigation of multiphase flow through self-affine rough fractures
Multiphase flow through fractures has great significance in subsurface energy recovery and gas storage applications. Different fracture and flow properties affect flow through a fracture which is difficult to control in laboratory experiments. Here, we perform lattice Boltzmann simulations in an ensemble of synthetically generated fractures. Drainage simulations are performed at different capillary numbers, wettability, and viscosity ratios. We track the invading front and quantify breakthrough saturations and show that roughness and wettability have a strong effect on fluid invasion through a complex fracture. Invading a more viscous fluid results in more stable displacement regardless of the capillary number while at very low capillary numbers, fluid migration is dependent on the inherent structure of the fracture. We develop a fluid displacement phase diagram in a single rough fracture and compare our results from that in the literature. Finally, we extend the phase diagrams across multiple fractures and demonstrate the importance of natural fracture features of roughness and wettability in identifying stable versus unstable displacement regimes during multiphase flow through rough fractures. Our work presents an end-to-end numerical pathway for testing on experimental data and expanding numerical data sets for testing combinations of different physical phenomenon and make valuable predictions on fluid flow through rough fractures.
02 PETROLEUM↗
Fracture-permeability behavior of shale
The fracture-permeability behavior of Utica shale, an important play for shale gas and oil, was investigated using a triaxial coreflood device and X-ray tomography in combination with finite-discrete element modeling (FDEM). Fractures generated in both compression and in a direct-shear configuration allowed permeability to be measured across the faces of cylindrical core. Shale with bedding planes perpendicular to direct-shear loading developed complex fracture networks and peak permeability of 30 mD that fell to 5 mD under hydrostatic conditions. Shale with bedding planes parallel to shear loading developed simple fractures with peak permeability as high as 900 mD. In addition to the large anisotropy in fracture permeability, the amount of deformation required to initiate fractures was greater for perpendicular layering (about 1% versus 0.4%), and in both cases activation of existing fractures are more likely sources of permeability in shale gas plays or damaged caprock in CO₂ sequestration because of the significant deformation required to form new fracture networks. FDEM numerical simulations were able to replicate the main features of the fracturing processes while showing the importance of fluid penetration into fractures as well as layering in determining fracture patterns.
02 PETROLEUM↗
Multi-scale modeling of microstructure dependent intergranular brittle fracture using a quantitative phase-field based method
In this study, the fracture behavior of brittle materials is strongly influenced by their underlying microstructure that needs explicit consideration for accurate prediction of fracture properties and the associated scatter. In this work, a hierarchical multi-scale approach is pursued to model microstructure sensitive brittle fracture. A quantitative phase-field based fracture model is utilized to capture the complex crack growth behavior in the microstructure and the related parameters are calibrated from lower length scale atomistic simulations instead of engineering scale experimental data. The workability of this approach is demonstrated by performing porosity dependent intergranular fracture simulations in UO 2 and comparing the predictions with experiments.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Fracture Prediction of Epoxy Resin using Morse Bond Potential Embedded in GAFF using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
A generic method is developed to investigate the fracture behavior of an epoxy resin using atomistic molecular (MD) dynamics simulations. The epoxy system consisted of the stoichiometric mixture of tetra-/tri-functional epoxies and di-functional hardener molecules and was cured with a step-growth crosslinking algorithm. A hybrid force field (hFF) in which Morse bond function were added in second generation-general Amber Force Field (GAFF2) was used to capture bond breaking of the crosslinked epoxy system under uniaxial deformation. The Morse bond parameters for covalent bonds in the crosslinked backbone were fit to dissociation curves computed by CASPT2/6-311+G**. After the systems in various crosslink densities were obtained and equilibrated, the full length of stress-strain (𝜎-𝜀) curve was produced including initial elastic regime, yielding, plastic flow, strain hardening, and progressive failure. We found that the hFF was effective in studying the dissociation of crosslinked polymers and understanding the failure mechanism. In the results, the hFF delivered the same elastic property obtained from the unmodified force field GAFF. The stress-strain curve, however, began to be distinct in the plastic regime due to broken covalent bonds capable of altering the tensile behavior. Once the stress reached maximum, it progressively decreased until the ultimate failure (𝜎=0). Since hFF employed the existing GAFF functions with including a minimal change of its bond potential, this approach is easier to perform and computationally more efficient for unveiling the fracture behavior of polymer materials at the molecular level than other approaches with reactive force fields. We expect this approach will be utilized to accelerate the material-by-design process for thermosets by incorporate data from molecular models.
Changwoon Jang↗
EERC Final Topical Report – Findings on Subtask 3.2 – Produced Water Management Through Geologic Homogenization, Conditions, and Reuse
The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) was awarded a contract by the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) Oil and Gas Research Program (NDIC No. G-051-101) to conduct a study on the recycling of water used in oil and gas operations, also known as produced water, from oil- and gas-producing regions of North Dakota as directed by Section 19 of North Dakota House Bill 1014. This final report provides a compilation of results of the study, which include regulatory, scientific, technological, and feasibility methods and considerations associated with North Dakota produced water management. The report provides a synopsis of this project’s previously submitted produced water assessment report entitled “Produced Water Management and Recycling Options in North Dakota” (Energy & Environmental Research Center, 2020), with updated values provided as appropriate. The report provides the results from the investigation of a novel produced water management strategy, referred to as geologic homogenization, conditioning, and reuse (GHCR), which aims to use a subsurface geologic formation as a natural medium for managing produced water recycling and reuse. Water management is a significant technical and economic challenge for sustainable oil and gas production, and water volumes are intrinsically linked to oil production volumes. North Dakota oil production rose to over 1.5 million barrels (MMbbl)/day in 2019, and despite a downturn in oil price in early 2020, North Dakota oil production has recovered to 1.1 MMbbl/day as of August 2021. Bakken petroleum system development between 2008 and 2020 has resulted in a nearly fourfold increase in produced water volumes to 642 MMbbl/yr in 2020 after peaking at 740 MMbbl/yr in 2019 and a fivefold increase in saltwater disposal (SWD) volumes to 565 MMbbl/yr in 2020 after a peak of 682 MMbbl/yr in 2019. Produced water and SWD volumes are forecasted to double by 2030. SWD is the primary method of produced water management used in North Dakota, with approximately 95% of the SWD volume occurring through subsurface injection into sandstones of the Dakota Group (Dakota). Localized pressurization of the Dakota resulting from SWD and projected increases in produced water volumes could impact the economics of North Dakota oil production. As a result, there is an emerging need to pursue alternative produced water management approaches, including recycling and reuse. While produced water recycling is not yet widespread, commercial operators are making strides in overcoming the technical challenges of using high salinity produced water in completion operations (Marathon Oil, 2020). As water management continues to be a key focal point in companies’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, focus on water management, including recycling, will likely continue to increase. Laboratory column testing, field sample collection, geologic modeling and numerical simulation, and techno-economic analysis all indicate that GHCR could feasibly be implemented as a potential water management option. Laboratory column testing and field sample collection indicate that the Inyan Kara sandstone and native formation fluid are capable of homogenizing with the Bakken produced water to a point where the fluid composition appears to stabilize. Extracting that stabilized fluid could be considered homogeneous and capable of providing individual batches of hydraulic fracturing fluid. Numerical simulation results indicate that extraction of fluids from the Inyan Kara in a GHCR implementation scenario is capable of reducing formation pressure, which would help ease localized pressurization of the Inyan Kara and extend the available capacity for nearby existing SWD wells. Economic analysis indicates that there are scenarios where GHCR implementation can be a competitive or even lower-cost option than a conventional water management approach. Site-specific conditions will dictate the economic potential of GHCR, but potentially attractive sites for GHCR implementation will be those that are located above a pressurized zone of the Inyan Kara, need six or more Bakken infill wells, and face high costs for conventional SWD and/or freshwater. Based on the regulatory review, drilling into the Inyan Kara for SWD and to harness as a source water for industrial use have precedent in North Dakota, and a workable regulatory solution for GHCR seems likely. However, restrictions in the state regarding surface storage and transport of produced fluids may limit some activities, which will affect how GHCR could ultimately be implemented. In summary, this study reveals pursuing GHCR can be a viable approach to water management in North Dakota. The GHCR concept addresses some of the challenges that hinder the more traditional approaches to recycling in the industry. Furthermore, an assessment of the current landscape of water management within the state reveals the ongoing trend of increasing volumes of produced water and SWD. Projections reveal that the volumes of produced water that need to be managed are expected to double over the next decade (Energy & Environmental Research Center, 2020). With the continued development of the Bakken and continuing driving factors related to ESG initiatives, implementing a practice such as GHCR is a feasible approach to adding recycling of produced water to industry within the state. This subtask was cofunded through the EERC–U.S. Department of Energy Joint Program on Research and Development for Fossil Energy-Related Resources Cooperative Agreement No. DE-FE0024233. Nonfederal funding was provided by the North Dakota Industrial Commission Oil and Gas Research Program. References Energy & Environmental Research Center, 2020, Produced water management and recycling options in North Dakota: Final Report for North Dakota Legislative Management Energy Development and Transmission Committee and North Dakota Industrial Commission. Marathon Oil, 2020, Sustainability report: https://cdn.sanity.io/files/ghcnw9z2/website/ 91744eb6ef8fbe59505a911c6b8d2e8dd9a537fa.pdf?dl (accessed November 2021).
02 PETROLEUM↗
Evaluation of Stimulation by Shear Slip in Fractured Rock Using a 3D Coupled Thermo-Poro-Mechanical FEM
This paper presents a 3D finite element model for simulating shear slip on fractures in rock in response to coupled thermo-poro-mechanical processes. The modeling is part of a broader effort to investigate the role of pore pressure and cooling by cold water injection on shear slip and permeability increase in granitic rock using laboratory shearing experiments under triaxial conditions. In particular, 3D thermo-poro-mechanical finite element modeling and analysis of injection experiment in fractured rock has been carried out to analyze the role of pore pressure, temperature, fracture deformation and their interactions. 4-noded tetrahedral elements are employed for intact rock deformation and transport processes within the matrix. To represent the mechanical response of a fracture surface, zero thickness contact interface element is developed based on recently developed element partitioning algorithm and procedures for applying hydraulic pressure on the fracture surfaces. A Mohr-Coulomb type criterion is adapted to capture the slip on the fracture and to quantify its reversible and irreversible deformation. The numerical model has been calibrated using results from well controlled, advanced laboratory experiments. Excellent agreement between modeling and experimental observations is achieved. Simulation results illustrate that pore pressure increase and rock matrix/fracture surface cooling cause the fracture system to deform and slip. Fracture slip is promoted due to its normal stress reduction associated with cooling effect of cold fluid injection. The numerical model provides a physics-based understanding of the role of coupled processes on shear stimulation phenomenon and the resulting permeability enhancement.
58 GEOSCIENCES↗
Arbitrary Order Virtual Element Methods for High‐Order Phase‐Field Modeling of Dynamic Fracture
ABSTRACT Accurate modeling of fracture nucleation and propagation in brittle and ductile materials subjected to dynamic loading is important in predicting material damage and failure under extreme conditions. Phase‐field fracture models have garnered a lot of attention in recent years due to their success in representing damage and fracture processes in a wide class of materials and under a variety of loading conditions. Second‐order phase‐field fracture models are by far the most popular among researchers (and increasingly, among practitioners), but fourth‐order models have started to gain broader acceptance since their more recent introduction. The exact solution corresponding to these high‐order phase‐field fracture models has higher regularity. Thus, numerical solutions of the model equations can achieve improved accuracy and higher spatial convergence rates. In this work, we develop a virtual element framework for the high‐order phase‐field model of dynamic fracture. The virtual element method (VEM) can be regarded as a generalization of the classical finite element method. In addition to many other desirable characteristics, the VEM allows computing on polytopal meshes. Here, we use ‐conforming virtual elements and the generalized‐ time integration method for the momentum balance equation, and adopt ‐conforming virtual elements for the high‐order phase‐field equation. We verify our virtual element framework using classical quasi‐static benchmark problems and demonstrate its capabilities with the aid of numerical simulations of dynamic fracture in brittle materials.
42 ENGINEERING↗
A Novel 'Smart Microchip Proppants' Technology for Precision Diagnostics of Hydraulic Fracture Networks (Edited Final Report)
This project introduces innovative technology to improve subsurface characterization, visualization, and diagnostics of unconventional reservoirs (fossil resources). Through a collaborative effort involving the University of Kansas, UCLA, MicroSilicon Inc., and EOG Resources, the project aims to deliver precision diagnostics for hydraulic fractures using novel high-resolution imaging technology based on smart microchip proppants. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the accuracy and predictability of integrated numerical, and machine-learning modeling techniques for hydraulic fracture characterization and simulation. This groundbreaking technology addresses significant gaps in understanding unconventional and tight reservoir behavior and optimizing well-completion strategies, enabling more cost-efficient recovery of unconventional resources.
02 PETROLEUM↗
Temperature and radiation effects on brittle versus ductile fracture behavior in miscible phase boundaries: insight from atomistic simulations
Temperature- and irradiation-assisted failure mechanisms in miscible phase boundaries are clarified via atomistic calculations. We first establish the temperature-dependent brittle-to-ductile transition in U–Zr miscible phase boundaries. Our results confirm that these boundaries are mostly brittle at low temperatures and ductile at elevated temperatures. We then investigate the changes induced by irradiation on the fracture mechanisms in such phase boundaries. The irradiation-induced defect accumulation follows a multi-stage process that starts with the accumulation of isolated small dislocation loops before transitioning to the saturation and growth of larger dislocation loops and end up with a reorganization into forest dislocations. The accumulation of loops is the primary feature to participate in the delineation between brittle and ductile interfacial fracture in irradiated phase boundaries. At low damage levels, radiation defect interactions with the crack tip are limited and U–Zr miscible boundaries fail through the emission of dislocations ahead of the crack tip followed by brittle cleavage in agreement with the classical Griffith’s criterion for crack stability. At higher damage levels, the failure mode transitions from brittle crack growth to ductile void growth. In this case, the microcrack tip is blunted by the high density of pre-existing, radiation-induced defects in the vicinity of the crack. This interaction leads to the development and growth of a cavity at the interface as opposed to interfacial cleavage.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Laboratory Evaluation of a Natural Gas–Based Foamed Fracturing Fluid
Abstract Foams have been used as hydraulic fracturing fluids to reduce water usage and minimize the potentially deleterious impact on water-sensitive formations. Traditionally, carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) have been used as the internal phase in these foamed fluids. Hydraulic fracturing with natural gas (NG) is a relatively inexpensive option, particularly if NG produced from the wellhead can be used without significant processing. In an ongoing program sponsored by the US Department of Energy (DOE), an alternative fracturing process is being developed that uses NG-based foam. Previously, the optimal thermodynamic pathway was identified to transform wellhead NG into pressurized NG suitable for use as the internal phase in a foamed fracturing fluid. Recent work has focused on preparing a NG-based foam at surface conditions typically encountered in hydraulic fracturing and measuring the stability and rheological properties of the foam. In addition, the transient response of the foam during fracture initiation was simulated using a fast-acting solenoid valve. A single base-fluid mixture was prepared by combining a commercially available viscosifier and foaming surfactant with water. The base fluid was then injected into a tee using a water pump. Simultaneously, liquefied natural gas (LNG) was pressurized using a cryogenic pump, vaporized using a heat exchanger, and injected into the tee to mix with the base fluid and generate foam. The foam then flowed through approximately 300 ft of 0.312-in. inside diameter (ID) tubing equipped with pressure transducers at several locations. The test fixture included a sight glass to visually inspect the quality of the foam. This paper reports on findings related to foam stability and rheology and compares these results to previous studies on foamed fracturing fluids.
Beck, Griffin↗
Coupling fracture facies with in-situ permeability measurements to generate stochastic simulations of tight carbonate aquifer properties: Example from the Lower Cretaceous aquifer, Northern Provence, SE France
The relationships between fracture facies and permeability distribution have been explored using a well-constrained 3D implicit structural model of hemipelagic low porosity/low permeability carbonate from the Northern Provence region, SE France. Fracture and permeability facies were determined using an extensive dataset of 99 hydrogeological wells. Data processing was undertaken using a step-by-step approach, involving: (i) identification of the fracture facies based on well logs detailing structure and stratigraphy; (ii) determination of permeability facies from the a priori correlation between the dimension of the hydraulic radius of influence (deduced from slug test analyses) and the type of reservoir heterogeneity (fissure, fracture, fault zone, etc.); (iii) three dimensional plot of fracture and permeability facies in the geological model using a variographic analysis of data. Thirty-three sequential indicator simulations (SIS) based on geostatistic analyses were realised on both fracture and permeability facies. Finally, a connectivity algorithm was developed to compute the probability of connection between selected infiltration areas and the major aquifer springs via moderate- to high-permeability geological bodies. Key results are: (i) fault zones have a greater role in controlling permeability facies distribution than on fracture facies repartition; (ii) there is little correlation between permeability and fracture facies distributions; (iii) connectivity results highlight the compartmentalisation of aquifers in the Cadarache area, the extensions of permeable geological bodies being limited by the N130 faults.
58 GEOSCIENCES↗
Application of MMC model on simulation of shearing process of thick hot-rolled high strength steel plate
Shear operation is widely used as the first step in sheet metal forming to cut the sheet or plate into the required size. The shear of thick hot-rolled High Strength Steel (HSS) requires large shearing force and the sheared edge quality is relatively poor because of the large thickness and high strength compared with the traditional low carbon steel. Bad sheared edge quality will easily lead to edge cracking during the post-forming process. This study investigates the shearing process of thick hot-rolled HSS plate metal, which is generally exploited as the beam of heavy trucks. The Modified Mohr-Coulomb fracture criterion (MMC) is employed in numerical simulation to calculate the initiation and propagation of cracks during the process evolution. Tensile specimens are designed to obtain various stress states in tension. Equivalent fracture strains are measured with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) equipment to constitute the fracture locus. Simulation of the tension test is carried out to check the fracture model. Then the MMC model is applied to the simulation of the shearing process, and the simulation results show that the MMC model predicts the ductile fracture successfully.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗