The Role of Temperature in Shear Instability and Bifurcation of Internally Pressurized Deep Boreholes

Journal Article (Journal Article)

This paper investigates localized shear deformation around a borehole due to internal pressure in the well such as by fluid injection. Using an elasto-visco-plastic formulation combined with damage mechanics for the effect of shear cracking, we first benchmark the model against analytical solutions and then provide bifurcation criteria for the onset of localized cracking at different temperature conditions. We report that at increased temperatures of the rock formation, hot fluid injection promotes shear stimulation, while cold fluid suppresses it. This counter-intuitive result can offer new pathways of effective stimulation in high-temperature environments, like those encountered in enhanced geothermal systems.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Hu, M; Veveakis, M; Poulet, T; Regenauer-Lieb, K

Published Date

  • November 1, 2017

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 50 / 11

Start / End Page

  • 3003 - 3017

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0723-2632

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1007/s00603-017-1291-2

Citation Source

  • Scopus