C.Y. Kwok

Evolution of stress-induced borehole breakout in inherently anisotropic rock: Insights from discrete element modeling

The aim of this study is to better understand the mechanisms controlling the initiation, propagation, and ultimate pattern of borehole breakouts in shale formation when drilled parallel with and perpendicular to beddings. A two-dimensional discrete element model is constructed to explicitly represent the microstructure of inherently anisotropic rocks by inserting a series of individual smooth joints into an assembly of bonded rigid discs. Both isotropic and anisotropic hollow square-shaped samples are generated to represent the wellbores drilled perpendicular to and parallel with beddings at reduced scale. The isotropic model is validated by comparing the stress distribution around borehole wall and along X axis direction with analytical solutions. Effects of different factors including the particle size distribution, borehole diameter, far-field stress anisotropy, and rock anisotropy are systematically evaluated on the stress distribution and borehole breakout propagation. Simulation results reveal that wider particle size distribution results in the local stress perturbations which cause localization of cracks. Reduction of borehole diameter significantly alters the crack failure from tensile to shear and raises the critical pressure. Rock anisotropy plays an important role on the stress state around wellbore which lead to the formation of preferred cracks under hydrostatic stress. Far-field stress anisotropy plays a dominant role in the shape of borehole breakout when drilled perpendicular to beddings while a secondary role when drilled parallel with beddings. Results from this study can provide fundamental insights on the underlying particle-scale mechanisms for previous findings in laboratory and field on borehole stability in anisotropic rock.

Runout Scaling and Deposit Morphology of Rapid Mudflows

Prediction of runout distance and deposit morphology is of great importance in hazard mitigation of geophysical flows, including viscoplastic mudflows. The major rheological parameters of mudflows, namely, yield stress and viscosity, are crucial factors in controlling the runout and deposition processes. However, the roles of the two parameters, especially in mudflows with high inertia, remain poorly understood, and are not accounted for in runout scaling relations with source volume. Here we investigate the effects of flow rheology on runout scaling and deposit morphology using smallscale laboratory experiments and three-dimensional numerical simulations. We find that yield stress and viscosity both influence flow velocity gained during downslope propagation of mudflows, which is strongly correlated with the runout distance; the role of yield stress is more significant than viscosity. High yield stress and low viscosity lead to an elongated deposit, where longitudinal propagation is more significant than lateral spreading. In contrast, high viscosity promotes the dominance of lateral spreading of the deposit, while low yield stress and moderate viscosity produce an initial elongate deposit, followed by a secondary surge that spreads laterally near the head of the deposit. Following appropriate scaling relations for viscosity and Faculty of Business and Economics, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong c ©2018 American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. yield stress, a general scaling function is proposed to incorporate flow properties in the well-known correlation of runout distance and source volume. Our findings regarding the inertia effects and the roles of yield stress and viscosity enhance our understanding of mudflows, muddy debris flows, and other viscoplastic geophysical flows. Keypoints: • Experiments and simulations reveal the role of inertia and rheology (yield stress and viscosity) in the runout behavior of rapid mudflows • Different combinations of rheological parameters are found to give rise to distinct deposit morphology • A generalized runout scaling relation is proposed incorporating rheological parameters c ©2018 American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.