Numerical simulation and fractal analysis of mesoscopic scale failure in shale using digital images

Shale rock formations often contain calcite, which is a mineral that plays an important role in the failure of shale and in fracturing the reservoir volume. This study uses digital images to characterise the mesoscopic-scale non-uniformity of shale resulting from the shape, size and distribution of calcite in the shale. The geometry of the calcite is mapped to a finite element mesh based on the meso-scale structure of the rock. The numerical...