Undergrad Why does the end of the fracture have a branch? (Fracking)

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The discussion explores the branching patterns observed in hydraulic fracturing, questioning their appearance in schematics. It suggests that these patterns may resemble lightning and are designed to maximize material connection while minimizing channel volume. The formation of these branches is influenced by geological factors, such as horizontal sheet jointing from regional unloading and vertical joints from tension. As fracking pressure increases, existing joints widen and new ones open, creating a network of connected cracks. This branching pattern is a natural response to the pressure dynamics within the rock.
miraboreasu
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Hello, I have seen some pictures about hydraulic fracturing, which is injecting water into the ground under high pressure, and when people draw the schematic, it looks like this
I am wondering why the fracture will be branched. Thanks!
1679323399491.png
 
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miraboreasu said:
I am wondering why the fracture will be branched. Thanks!
It is probably just an artist's impression of what running cracks might look like, based erroneously on lightning in the atmosphere.
A branched tree pattern, similar to lightning, connects the greatest volume of material, through the minimum total volume of channel. River systems follow similar rules.

Horizontal sheet jointing, due to regional unloading, is common. Vertical joints are due to tension. Because the joints in rocks form a connected network, the fracking pressure widens the joints into connected cracks. The rock will yield to a limit at some pressure, then as the pressure continues to rise, some other joint will open and yield, and so the pattern will spread.
 

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