ABSTRACT
In this study, a computational framework is extended for the simulation of the interaction of hydro-fractures with material interfaces. Using the extended finite element method (X-FEM), the equilibrium equation of the bulk is solved in conjunction with the hydro-fracture inflow and continuity equations using the staggered Newton method. The lubrication theory is applied to model the hydro-fracture inflow, where the hydro-fracture permeability is incorporated by means of the cubic law. Specific enrichment strategy is elaborated on the basis of the Eigen-function expansion method so as to achieve at high resolution for the stress field at singular zones. The competition between different interaction scenarios is explored through the application of the Ming-Yuan & Hutchinson’s penetration/deflection criterion. Finally, the robustness of the proposed framework is investigated by means of numerical simulation.
