Chao Jiang & Gao-Feng Zhao

In this work, the distinct lattice spring model (DLSM) and the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) are coupled together to simulate hydraulic fracturing problems. As the DLSM and LBM are both lattice modelling methods, the lattice meshes in these two systems are simply overlapped, which results in the same resolution in both the DLSM and LBM. The momentum exchange bounce-back algorithm is used to evaluate the forces exerted on the solid particles. Moreover, the calculation step in the LBM and DLSM is synchronised for prompt updates of fuid–solid interactions. The coupled model is further validated through a series of benchmarks. Finally, the coupled model shows its ability to simulate hydraulic fracturing in formations with complex discrete fracture networks.