Dynamic microscale crack propagation in shale

Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal well are the two key techniques for the development of shale oil/gas. Mechanical heterogeneity and anisotropy of shale strongly influence the effects of fracturing. While numerous studies have focused on the fracture behavior of shale, the microscale fracture mechanisms of shale remain poorly understood. In this study, three representative test areas, which were dominated by a stiff mineral, a blob of organic...