Grant: Alliance Grants

Canada is one of the leading countries in utilizing abundant energy resources such as shale gas from deep geological formations. A key technology is hydraulic fracturing for creating a conductive fracture network in geological formations, essential to the extraction efficiency and foundational for studying induced micro-seismicity. Phase-field models, an emerging numerical modelling technique, are capable of simulating complex fracture processes and can be conveniently implemented in conventional frameworks. As shale rock is often anisotropic, the current phase-field models need to be further enhanced to consider their anisotropic behaviours before their applications in large-scale hydraulic fracturing stimulations of tight formations. The proposed research will collaborate with an internationally renowned expert on a globally important subject that can benefit Canada. The specific objectives of the project are to (1) develop advanced numerical modelling with the phase field models to simulate the fracturing process in anisotropic sedimentary rock subjected to engineered stimulations, (2) apply the developed numerical models to predict the fracture network created by hydraulic fracturing in unconventional formations. The research outcomes will improve the prediction of fracture connectivity and conductivity in geological formations, vital to the safety and efficiency of many ongoing Canadian and global energy resource utilizations in deep geological formations. The developed models will provide opportunities for many ongoing Canadian and global energy resource utilizations to optimize completion design to enhance fracture conductivity and mitigate the adverse influence of discontinuity slippage and fault activation, which enhances Canada's leadership in sustainable and responsible energy resource development from deep geological formations.