Distinct element modeling of hydraulic fracture propagation with discrete fracture network at Gonghe enhanced geothermal system site, northwest China

Accurate prediction of hydraulic fracture propagation is vital for Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) design. We study the first hydraulic fracturing job at the GR1 well in the Gonghe Basin using field data, where the overall direction of hydraulic fractures does not show a delineated shape parallel to the maximum principal stress orientation. A field-scale numerical model based on the distinct element method is set up to carry out a fully coupled hydromechanical simulation, with the explicit representation of natural fractures via the discrete fracture network (DFN) approach. The effects of injection parameters and in situ stress on hydraulic fracture patterns are then quantitatively assessed. The study reveals that shear-induced deformation primarily governs the fracturing morphology in the GR1 well, driven by smaller injection rates and viscosities that promote massive activation of natural fractures, ultimately dominating the direction of hydraulic fracturing. Furthermore, the increase of in situ differential stress may promote shear damage of natural fracture surfaces, with the exact influence pattern depending on the combination of specific discontinuity properties and in situ stress state. Finally, we provide recommendations for EGS fracturing based on the influence characteristics of multiple parameters. This study can serve as an effective basis and reference for the design and optimization of EGS in the Gonghe basin and other sites.