Diagnosing Hydro-Mechanical Effects in Subsurface Fluid Flow Through Fractures

Abstract Hydro-mechanically induced transient changes in fracture volume elude an analysis of pressure and flow rate transients by conventional diffusion-based models. We used a previously developed fully coupled, inherently non-linear numerical simulation model to demonstrate that harmonic hydraulic excitation fractures leads systematic overtones the response spectrum can thus be as diagnostic criterion for hydro-mechanical interaction. The examination spectra, obtained from testing at four different field sites, occurrence confirmed their potential characterization tested reservoirs. A non-dimensional identified relative aperture change critical system parameter.