Thermomechanically Constrained Fractal Evolution of Pore–Fracture Networks in Low-Maturity Shale under Conventional Triaxial In Situ Conditions
Abstract
is positively correlated with the specific surface area and total pore volume and negatively correlated with average pore size, indicating that structural complexity is primarily controlled by the development of mesopores to macropores and increasing diversity of connectivity pathways. Integrated analysis identifies 400-500 °C as the critical temperature interval during which the pore-fracture network transitions from local connectivity to a multiscale interconnected system. This study confirms the applicability of fractal theory under true triaxial in situ thermomechanical conditions and provides a quantitative framework for evaluating thermal upgrading effectiveness and optimizing reservoir structure.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Hydraulic Fracturing and Reservoir Analysis
Rock Mechanics and Modeling
Hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ACS Omega
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 11
- Issue
- 18
- Pages
- 27355–27371
- Publication date
- 1 May 2026
- Language
- EN