Fluid-driven nucleation and propagation of splay fractures from a permeable fault

Progressive development of opening‐mode splay or branch fractures along a permeable fault in an elastic medium, subject to elevated fluid pressure from a constant influx fluid source, is studied numerically using a plane‐strain hydraulic fracturing model that couples fracture deformation and fluid flow. In situ stresses are imposed so that their resultant shear stress on the fault is lower than the frictional strength. New splay fractures are...