Impact of Formation Dip Angle and Wellbore Azimuth on Fracture Propagation for Shale Reservoir

The significant vertical heterogeneity, variations in ground stress directions, and irregular bedding interfaces make it extremely challenging to predict fracture propagation continental shale reservoirs. In this article, we conducted a series of triaxial laboratory experiments on outcrop rocks investigate the effects formation dip angle wellbore orientation crack under horizontal well conditions. Our study revealed that features can be categorized into four distinct types: (1) hydraulic fractures pass through interface without activating it; (2) activate interface; (3) open penetrate while also generating secondary fractures; (4) but do not interface. We found as decreases, likelihood penetrating increases. Conversely, increases, are more likely simply it. Moreover, observed azimuth significantly affects degree distortion. Specifically, higher angles corresponded