An experimental investigation of the fracture behaviors of type-Ⅰ cracks in shales with different bedding angles
MA Like1, 2, CAO Han1, 2, ZHANG Zheng1, 2, GAO Qiang1, 2, LUO Zhongshan1, 2
1 School of Geosciences and Info-physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China 2 Key Laboratory of Metallogenic Prediction of Nonferrous Metals and Geological Environment Monitoring(Central South University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410083, China
The fracture behaviors of type-Ⅰ cracks in shales with different bedding angles have obvious differences, which in turn affect hydraulic fracturing crack propagation. This paper is based on shale bedding properties, and uses the three-point bending half-disk experimental method to investigate the effect of the angle θ between the bedding plane and type-Ⅰ cracks on the fracture toughness and failure mode. The results show that there is a good secondary correlation between the angle θ and the fracture toughness of the sample. Also, the displacement-pressure curve indicates that a different θ will greatly influence the peak pressure, displacement and fracture type during the loading process. Samples with θ of 45° and 60° show ductile fracture in the post-peak pressure drop stage, while the samples at other angles showed brittle fracture. Moreover, the elastic strain energy increases linearly with increasing bedding angles. The difference in failure mode of cracks in different angle specimens is mainly manifested by the tendency to cracks inclined to the bedding plane and then penetrating the bedding plane. Therefore, the investigation of the influence of the angle between the bedding plane and type-Ⅰ cracks on the fracture toughness and failure mode of the shale has certain significance for guiding the selection of technical parameters during the hydraulic fracturing implementation process, which is beneficial to improving the productivity of fracturing and reforming reservoirs.
MA Like, CAO Han, ZHANG Zheng, GAO Qiang, LUO Zhongshan. An experimental investigation of the fracture behaviors of type-I cracks in shales with different bedding angles. Petroleum Science Bulletin, 2019, 04: 347-353.