Numerical simulation of the palaeotectonic stress field and prediction of the natural fracture distribution in shale gas reservoirs: A case study in the Longmaxi Formation of the Luzhou area, southern Sichuan Basin, China

Abstract

Natural fractures have an important relationship with shale gas production. This study selected the reservoir of the Wufeng‐Longmaxi Formation in Luzhou in southern Sichuan as an example. Based on the seismic reflection map of the formation, using the mechanical parameters obtained from the core sample experiment and using the finite element numerical simulation method, a three‐dimensional geological model is established, the tectonic stress field is inverted and the fracture distribution is predicted according to the Mohr‐Coulomb fracture criterion of the rock fracture, which provides theoretical support for the subsequent well pattern layout and is conducive to improving the efficiency of shale gas exploration and development. The analysis shows that the study area is dominated by NE reverse faults, with an inclination of more than 40°. The core observation results show that the filling degree of fractures is relatively high, and the width is mostly less than 1 mm, mainly caused by tectonic shear fractures. The tectonic stress in the sedimentary belt where the syncline structure is deeply buried is higher, the stress in the northwest and southeast tectonic ridges is relatively low, and the differential stress in the northeast tectonic ridge and near the fault is high. The NE fault and the surrounding rock mass have the highest fracture degree; the fracture proximity coefficient is >1.5 and the fractures are the most developed. The degree of fracture development in the area with a gentle structure is relatively low, but it is far from large faults, which is conducive to preserving shale gas.