Numerical analysis of the hydrofracturing behaviour of heterogeneous glutenite considering hydro-mechanical coupling effects based on bonded particle models

The heterogeneity of tight reservoirs significantly influences hydrofracturing behaviours, such as crack morphology, type, initiation, propagation, and distribution. The accurate characterisation of the influencing mechanisms has become a pivotal issue in enhancing the fracturing stimulation of tight reservoirs, as well as in the prediction of tight oil and gas production. In this study, the hydrofracturing behaviours of heterogeneous glutenites and their influencing mechanisms were numerically investigated based on bonded particle models (BPMs). The geometry and mechanical properties of the natural glutenites were obtained using microfocus computed tomography (CT) and triaxial tests and were used to construct heterogeneous BPMs. The hydrofracturing behaviours of the heterogeneous BPMs under various in-situ stresses were analysed with hydro-mechanical coupling effects considered and compared with those of homogeneous BPMs under the same conditions. The numerical results show that gravels in heterogeneous glutenites inhibit crack propagation. The shear cracks that appear in the initial stage of crack development subsequently propagate and distribute around the injection hole, and there are fewer hydraulic shear cracks than tensile cracks. The crack morphologies of BPMs are found to be consistent with the experimental forms. The numerical simulation provides a way to understand the mechanisms that govern the hydrofracturing crack types and propagation of heterogeneous reservoirs.