A fully coupled computational framework for fluid pressurised crack evolution in porous media

Hardcastle, Alexander; Mousavi Nezhad, Mohaddeseh; Rezania, Mohammad; Tizani, Walid; Gamage Ranjith, Pathegama

Abstract

This paper presents a computational framework for modelling hydraulic fracture on the basis of combining continuum porous media and damage theories. By considering the continuum as two separate domains of damaged and intact porous domains, model components are isolated and considered separately. This simplifies the whole modelling approach. The mathematical model used consists of a set of coupled partial differential equations in continuum space that govern compressible flow in damaged and intact porous media, mechanical deformation of the domains and damage evolution. We particularly focus on the flow of fluid within the intact and damaged porous zones. The porous domain typically has a lower permeability than the fractured zone, therefore a more complicated flow of fluid is expected within the damage zone. To model the exchange of fluid in the interface of damage zone and intact porous domain, a double permeability concept has been utilized. The evolution of cracks is modelled using Francfort and Marigo’s variational theory which approximates the fracture by a diffusive damage zone using a phase field variable. The governing model equations are discretised and solved using finite element method. The framework capabilities are verified using experimental data from a one dimensional consolidation test and a plane stress pressured penny crack benchmark example. The framework performance highlights its capabilities in analysing hydraulic driven fracture process and the associated permeability variations.

Citation

Hardcastle, A., Mousavi Nezhad, M., Rezania, M., Tizani, W., & Gamage Ranjith, P. (2019). A fully coupled computational framework for fluid pressurised crack evolution in porous media. Journal of Porous Media, 22(8), 939-956. https://doi.org/10.1615/jpormedia.2019025665

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 18, 2018
• Publication Date: 2019
• Deposit Date: Jul 16, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 1, 2021
• Journal: Journal of Porous Media
• Print ISSN: 1091-028X
• Electronic ISSN: 1934-0508
• Publisher: Begell House
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 939-956
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1615/jpormedia.2019025665
• Keywords: Mechanical Engineering; Modelling and Simulation; General Materials Science; Mechanics of Materials; Condensed Matter Physics; Biomedical Engineering
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2312714
• Related Public URLs: http://dl.begellhouse.com/journals/49dcde6d4c0809db,forthcoming,25665.html
• Contract Date: Jul 16, 2019