The numerical model described in this paper was designed to provide a realistic three-dimensional (3D) solution for fracture propagation in minimal computation time. Comparisons with available results show good concordance for a wide range of data. The results of a parametric study are compared with the Nolte analysis of the propagation pressure.

Keywords:
stress contrast, propagation, fracture toughness, pay-zone thickness, containment, geometry, fracture, hydraulic fracturing, mechanics, consistency index
Subjects:
Hydraulic Fracturing, Naturally-fractured reservoirs, Unconventional and Complex Reservoirs
Copyright 1988, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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