SIMULATION OF THE FRACTURE PROCESS IN ROCK WITH APPLICATION TO HYDROFRACTURING

Fracture problems in rock are commonly approached by two methods, strength of materials and linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). The strength of materials approach predicts crack initiation. LEFM can be applied to propagation of cracks of known length, given minimum size restrictions. This paper presents a rational approach for the analysis of cracks in the transition range from initiation to the limit of LEFM applicability. The finite element method is employed to model rock structures with discrete cracks. Modelling of the crack process zone circumvents the limitation of LEFM. The essence of the method is the Dugdale-G. I. Barenblatt approach of the method.