Numerical Simulation of the Influence of Natural Fractures on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation

Figure 1

Plane models demonstrating the intersection of hydraulic and natural fractures. (a) Hydraulic fracture propagation when shear fracture occurs in the natural fracture. (b) Hydraulic fracture penetrates the natural fracture in the closed state directly. (c) Hydraulic fracture penetrates the natural fracture. (d) Hydraulic fracture expands from one end of the natural fracture.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)