A semi-analytical model of distributed fiber optic strain monitoring for hydraulic fracture propagation

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4. A semi-analytical model of distributed fiber optic strain monitoring for hydraulic fracture propagation

Fiber optic monitoring technology is a key method for understanding fracture propagation behavior and fracture geometry during hydraulic fracturing in unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. Developing a forward model for fiber optic strain response during fracture propagation is of great significance for interpreting field fiber optic data. Currently, most forward models for fiber optic strain response rely on numerical methods, such as displacement discontinuity methods (DDM) and finite element methods (FEM), to calculate the fiber strain response during fracture propagation. However, these methods face challenges such as limitations in fracture propagation model selection and issues with grid accuracy when calculating fiber optic strain responses. In this paper, a semi-analytical model is established based on the Boussinesq solution from elasticity theory to solve the fiber optic strain and strain rate responses during fracture propagation. The computational efficiency of the semi-analytical method is compared with that of displacement discontinuity methods and finite element methods. By comparing the results of the semi-analytical model with those obtained from displacement discontinuity methods, the accuracy of the model in calculating fiber optic strain responses during fracture propagation is validated. This model offers several advantages, including greater freedom in selecting fracture propagation models, no need for geometric modeling of the solution domain, and significantly reduced computational effort. It provides a new approach for calculating fiber optic strain responses under different fracture propagation models.

5th International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics (ISFOG2025)

1 - Site investigation strategies, geohazards and integrated studies