Digital Representation and Mechanical Simulation of Rock Microstructures

ABSTRACT: The lack of well logging data and formation core samples in non-target complex intervals poses a challenge to traditional rock mechanics evaluation methods that rely on conducting laboratory experiments using core samples. In this study, we first characterize the microstructure of drilling cuttings and utilize image processing algorithms for denoising, boundary extraction, and boundary fitting of the microscopic images, achieving the digital representation of formation rocks. Finally, by assigning mechanical parameters to the digital model of formation rocks, the equivalent stress-strain curves of rocks are simulated using finite element analysis, enabling the rock mechanics evaluation of formation rocks based on drilling cuttings. The method established in this study overcomes the limitations of traditional rock mechanics evaluation methods that rely on formation core samples. It achieves the digital representation of formation rocks, enriches the methods for rock mechanics evaluation, and can serve as the basis for conducting research on engineering problems related to rock mechanics, such as formation fracturing, hydraulic fracturing, and wellbore stability, using digital twin technology.