Growth of pressure-induced fractures in the vicinity of a wellbore

Growth of pressure-induced fractures originating from a wellbore at an arbitrary angle to the direction of far field stresses is considered. A parametric study of hydraulic fracturing process from the point of view of fracture mechanics is presented in conditions of slow and fast pressurization rate. The study is based on the linear elastic fracture mechanics formulation that involves a complex hypersingular equation (CHSIE) for a plane with a circular opening and a system of arbitrary curvilinear cracks. Stepwise method is used to model fracture propagation. Dimensionless parameters influencing the fracture path are defined.