Modeling Natural Fracture Activation Using a Poro-elastic Fracture Intersection Model
Pre-existing natural fractures in a hydrocarbon reservoir complicate the hydraulic fracture growth and consequently, the microseismic event interpretation. Due to the misalignment of the natural fractures with respect to the far-field principal stresses, shear slippage is introduced as a failure mode or microseismic source along natural fractures. This failure mode, however, leaves a concern about the connectivity of the induced fracture network in order to enhance hydrocarbon production. A poro-elastic fracture intersection and propagation model can rigorously address this concern.
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