Numerical Simulation Analysis of Wellbore Stability in Weak Interlayer of Igneous Rock

Abstract

Wellbores drilled in igneous formation with weak interlayers face significant risk of instabilities. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of these instabilities by employing a combination of rock mechanics tests and numerical simulation techniques. The mechanical properties of igneous rocks are evaluated to determine core strength parameters and analyze the impact of drilling fluid immersion on core strength. The two-dimensional model of the igneous formation is refined, and theoretical derivations are made, including the linear elasticity principal equation and the extent of the plastic zone within the wellbore. A numerical simulation model is developed using ABAQUS to analyze the wellbore stability of the weak interlayer igneous formation, accounting for drilling fluid immersion and weak interlayer conditions. The numerical simulations focus on four key aspects of the weak interlayer formation: strength, permeability, horizontal in-situ stress anisotropy, and abnormal pore pressure. The study findings indicate that strengthening the weak interlayer effectively mitigates the risk of wellbore instability. Moreover, the permeability of the weak interlayer exhibits minimal impact on wellbore stability within the formation. However, an increase in horizontal in-situ stress anisotropy and the abnormal pore pressure both decrease wellbore stability along the direction of the maximum in-situ stress.