Densest Arrangement of Friction Lcm Particles Packing with a Power-Law Grain Size Distribution Via Dem Method

Abstract Lost circulation pose a primary challenge in the exploration and development process. For the problem of Lost circulation in fractured formations, the addition of plugging materials with different functions and in specific proportions into the drilling fluid to seal the fractures is the most commonly employed method for lost circulation control in engineering. This paper compares and selects the densest packing model, determining the optimal model for research on lost circulation control. Furthermore, simulations of the densest packing of plugging material particles within fractures were conducted using the CFD-DEM method. A simulation method for the formation and pressure-bearing process of the fracture plugging zone was established. The particle size distribution capable of forming the densest packing was determined. Based on the Fuller curve for designing grain size distribution, the wider the range of particle sizes, the greater the packing density, there exists an optimal gradation distribution index for the densest packing, which is between 0.5 and 0.7. This paper identifies the densest particle size distribution, providing a basis for the design of on-site plugging formulas and enhancing their scientific foundation.