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

AI Thread Summary
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
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Thread 'Is calling fictitious forces "not real" just about terminology?'

Hi there, im studying nanoscience at the university in Basel. Today I looked at the topic of intertial and non-inertial reference frames and the existence of fictitious forces. I understand that you call forces real in physics if they appear in interplay. Meaning that a force is real when there is the "actio" partner to the "reactio" partner. If this condition is not satisfied the force is not real. I also understand that if you specifically look at non-inertial reference frames you can...
View full post »

Thread 'Inclined treadmills and Galilean Invariance'

This has been discussed many times on PF, and will likely come up again, so the video might come handy. Previous threads: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/is-a-treadmill-incline-just-a-marketing-gimmick.937725/ https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/work-done-running-on-an-inclined-treadmill.927825/ https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/how-do-we-calculate-the-energy-we-used-to-do-something.1052162/
View full post »

Similar threads

Bernoulli equation and parallel pipe branch
Replies
31
Views
4K
Exploring End-Use Applications for recycled HDPE from used oil containers
Replies
2
Views
1K
B Why does ice have more friction when it's solid compared to when it's melting?
Replies
11
Views
2K
I am writing a story involving a hypothetical chemical reaction
Replies
22
Views
4K
B Hydraulic resistor as a constriction in a pipe
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Find Best Water Nozzle Type & Pressure for Longest Distance
Replies
32
Views
9K
I Acceleration in Newton's second law
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Can Any Quantifiable Variable Serve as a Coordinate in Euler-Lagrange Equations?
Replies
5
Views
2K
B Why does increasing the height of a water tower increase water pressure?
Replies
16
Views
6K
Pressure resilient linear actuator for subsea applications
Replies
6
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top