Research on numerical modeling of fracture networks created by explosion in horizontal wellbore

The process of fractures initiation and propagation in rocks due to explosive energy in horizontal wellbore is a dynamic phenomenon and three main systems involved in the study, namely, rock, explosive and boundary conditions. Based on finite element method and its element elimination technique, applying 2D plane stress-displacement correlation equations and maximum principal tensile stress crack criterion equation within the framework of linear elastic fracture mechanics, a suitable numerical model of explosive loading in horizontal wellbore has been established. Model set-up for the developed numerical procedure involves the selection of suitable numerical parameters and procedures. The procedures uses tested and observed rock and explosive properties. The developed procedure doesnot need pre-specification of fractures growth sites and paths and fractures grow in an stochastic natures as they do in reality. The procedure not only captures discrete fracture growths but also provide an easy way to distinctly observe cracking phenomena. The numerical modeling results obtained are unique and the first of their kind, which indicate the fracture geometries caused by explosion in horizontal wellbore under certain environment, and analyze the effects of different parameters such as confinement, stress anisotropy, rock mechanics and explosive properties on the fracturing of rock, which can help to identify the governing mechanisms associated with explosion in horizontal wellbore, enhance the explosive energy utilization and provide theoretically conductive significance in explosive fracturing design and post-fracture evaluation.