Investigation of 3D Fracture Propagation in Complex Reservoirs Rocks at Microscale

This work aims to study the propagation of fractures during hydraulic fracturing operations to determine the conditions that lead to the most extensive network of secondary fractures along with the main fractures at the microlevel. The occurrence and propagation of 3D fractures were studied, considering the granular composition and complex structure of elastic-plastic rock samples. The simulation allowed us to calculate fracture networks for various loading conditions. We propose a method that will enable us to calculate the pressure of hydraulic fracturing fluid injection into the formation from the obtained numerical conditions of loading and regional stress in the reservoir rock. Based on the results of numerical modeling and recalculation of the obtained loading conditions into the pressure of the injected fluid, geomechanical engineers will choose the necessary conditions that will provide the stress-strain states that lead to the most significant degree of fracturing of the formation.