Modeling Fracturing in Rock Using a Modified Discrete Element Method with Plasticity

Abstract

In this contribution we present more developments in the modified discrete element approach (MDEM) which was proposed to model fractures propagation in reservoir rock during production and fluid injection. The new development in this paper includes adding plasticity which allows the material to go into plastic deformation before initiating fractures. Several numerical tests are performed which mimic the real lab tests usually perform on rock samples, this includes direct tension test with initial crack to model crack propagation, and several biaxial compression tests to model the development of shear bands.