Abstract

Volume increasing or decreasing processes in rocks can lead to inter or intragranular fractures in subsurface formations. The volume change can be caused by chemical reactions involving fluid, reactive transport, and coupling with the mechanical deformation of the grains. Depending on stress, material properties and coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) conditions, grain scale fractures may propagate and coalesce, forming a cloud of well-connected fracture networks. The mechanisms responsible for propagation, coalescence and inhibition of cloud fractures are not well known. In this study, we review coupled micro-fracture network generation mechanisms as published in the literature and observed in field, experiments, and models. We then introduce simple (decoupled or weakly coupled) models within the framework of analytical and hybrid finite-discrete element models (FDEM).We discuss key parameters that promote (or limit) the generation of micro-fracture clouds under in-situ conditions. Based on the review of literature and preliminary model results, we discuss the implications of micro-fracture generation mechanisms on subsurface storage, hydrogen exploration/production and super-hot supercritical geothermal technologies.

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Publication Status

Available Access

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

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Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 One Petro, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2024

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