Geomechanical Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of Fracture Propagation in Hydraulic Fracturing Operation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Petroleum Engineering, Kho.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr, Iran

2 Department of Petroleum Engineering, Kho.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr, Iran; Stone Research Center, Kho.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr, Iran

10.22077/jgm.2026.10993.1073

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing (HF) is a complex well-stimulation technique that involves injecting high-pressure fluid into formations to create fractures and release trapped hydrocarbons. A detailed geomechanical model of the reservoir was developed using core analysis, well logs, and drilling data. Key parameters—including maximum and minimum horizontal stresses (calculated via poroelastic relationships), Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, Biot's coefficient, and rock tensile strength—were evaluated. Sensitivity analysis revealed that increasing wellbore deviation angle relative to the maximum horizontal stress direction increases the stress intensity factor (SIF), whereas increasing perforation angle reduces it. Enlarging the initial fracture radius also increases the SIF. In reservoirs with high regional stresses, higher injection pressure is required for adequate fracture opening compared to moderate stress conditions. Fracture propagation consistently occurs along the direction of maximum horizontal stress across all simulated scenarios. Optimal selection of the reservoir layer, perforation angle, and injection pressure can enhance reservoir production potential while reducing operational costs and the risk of HF failure.

Keywords

Journal of Geomine
Volume 3, Issue 4
December 2025
Pages 263-272

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics