Numerical Simulation of Artificial Fracture Propagation in Shale Gas Reservoirs Based on FPS-Cohesive Finite Element Method

Table 2

The influence of two intersected natural fractures on artificial fracture propagation.

Approaching angle (°)	In situ stress difference () (MPa)	The 1st natural fracture	The 2nd natural fracture
30	0	Partly deflected	Partly deflected
	5	Partly deflected	Partly deflected
	10	Partly deflected	Partly deflected
45	0	Deflected	Partly deflected
	5	Partly deflected	Partly deflected
	10	Crossed
60	0	Deflected	Partly deflected
	5	Partly deflected	Partly deflected
	10	Crossed
75	0	Partly deflected
	5
	10	Crossed

The state of being partly deflected indicates that the artificial fracture can only propagate along one wing of the natural fracture. The state of being deflected indicates that the artificial fracture will propagate along the two wings of the natural fracture. The state of being crossed indicates that the artificial fracture will cross the natural fracture directly.