This study constructs a hydraulic-coupled phase-field fracture model based on the phase-field method, employing a granular random distribution model combined with a fractability evaluation index to comprehensively analyze the influence of multiple factors, including the brittleness index, stress difference, and natural fractures, on fracture propagation. The results indicate that fractures in Type I reservoirs with a high proportion of brittle components are more likely to initiate and exhibit extensive damage zones, with fracture propagation following a pattern of avoiding hard regions and favoring soft regions. The horizontal stress difference shows a significant negative correlation with the initiation pressure. Under conditions of small stress differences, mineral heterogeneity dominates the fracture morphology, while under large stress differences, stress orientation plays a predominant role. Additionally, the presence of natural fractures alters the stress field distribution and flow paths, highlighting the importance of accurately predicting the distribution and angular state of natural fractures for forecasting fracture propagation patterns. Finally, a comprehensive fractability evaluation index is established, and reservoir conditions and in situ stress parameters are categorized into three reservoir types for simulation. This study systematically elucidates the multi-factor synergistic mechanism of “brittleness-dominated initiation, stress difference-guided propagation, and natural fracture-disturbed paths.” The findings provide a novel and robust theoretical foundation for optimizing hydraulic fracturing designs and offer significant guidance for the efficient development of unconventional oil and gas resources.
Sang et al. (2026) studied this question.