Exploring the influence of heterogeneity on hydraulic fracturing based on the combined finite–discrete method

Hydraulic fracture propagation is known to be influenced by heterogeneity; therefore, the influence of different heterogeneity characteristics on the propagation must be studied. Based on the combined finite–discrete method, hydraulic fracturing was simulated in homogeneous reservoirs as well as four types of heterogeneous reservoirs. Hydraulic fracture propagation in different models was evaluated by variations in hydraulic fracture morphology...