Numerical Simulation Study on the Influence of Fracture on Borehole Wave Modes: Insights from Fracture Width, Filling Condition, and Acoustic Frequency

Abstract

Unconventional reservoirs, such as shale and tight formations, have become increasingly vital contributors to oil and gas production. In these reservoirs, fractures serve as crucial spaces for fluid migration and storage, making their precise assessment essential. Array acoustic logging stands out as a pivotal method for evaluating fractures. To investigate the impact of fracture width, fracture-filling conditions, and acoustic frequency on compressional and shear waves, a three-dimensional variable mesh finite difference program was employed for acoustic logging numerical simulation. Firstly, numerical models representing fractured formations with varying fracture widths and distinct fluid-filling conditions were established, and array acoustic logging numerical simulations were conducted at different frequencies. Subsequently, the waveform data were processed to extract acoustic characteristic parameters, such as velocities and amplitude attenuations of compressional and shear waves. Finally, a quantitative analysis was conducted to examine the variation patterns of characteristic parameters of refracted compressional and shear waves in relation to fracture properties. The research results indicate that amplitude attenuation information derived from borehole wave modes is particularly sensitive to the changes in fracture properties. As fracture width increased, we observed a significant amplitude attenuation in both compressional and shear waves, proportional to the logarithm of the attenuation coefficients. Furthermore, when the fracture width was constant, gas-filled fractures exhibited more prominent amplitude attenuation than water-filled fractures, with shear wave attenuation being more sensitive to the filling material. Moreover, from a quantitative perspective, the analysis revealed that the attenuation coefficients of refracted compressional and shear waves exhibited an exponential variation with gas saturation. Notably, once fracture width and filling conditions were established, the amplitudes of compressional and shear waves at the dominant frequency of 40 kHz were significantly reduced compared to those at 8 kHz, accompanied by increased attenuation. Subsequent quantitative analysis revealed that, when the product of fracture width and dominant frequency remains constant, the corresponding attenuation coefficient ratios approach 1. This indicates that the attenuation process of acoustic propagation in fractured media follows the principle of acoustic similarity. The findings of this study provide reference for further research on fracture property evaluation methods based on array acoustic logging data.