Fractal analysis of shape factor for matrix-fracture transfer function in fractured reservoirs

As the core function of dual-porosity model in fluids flow simulation of fractured reservoirs, matrix-fracture transfer function is affected by several key parameters, such as shape factor. However, modeling the shape factor based on Euclidean geometry theory is hard to characterize the complexity of pore structures. Microscopic pore structures could be well characterized by fractal geometry theory. In this study, the separation variable method and Bessel function are applied to solve the single-phase fractal pressure diffusion equation, and then the obtained analytical solution is used to deduce one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional fractal shape factors. The proposed fractal shape factor can be used to explain the influence of microstructure of matrix on the fluid exchange rate between matrix and fracture, and is verified by numerical simulation. Results of sensitivity analysis indicate that shape factor decreases with tortuosity fractal dimension and characteristic length of matrix, increases with maximum pore diameter of matrix. Furthermore, the proposed fractal shape factor is effective in the condition that tortuosity fractal dimension of matrix is roughly between 1 and 1.25. This study shows that microscopic pore structures have an important effect on fluid transfer between matrix and fracture, which further improves the study on flow characteristics in fractured systems.