Mechanical Behavior and Failure Mechanism of Solid Expandable Tubular Crossing Active Strike-Slip Fault

The article delves into the intricate mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of Solid Expandable Tubular (SET) when crossing active strike-slip faults in shale gas wells. It begins by highlighting the challenges and importance of shale gas exploration, emphasizing the critical role of multi-stage fracturing in efficient reservoir development. The authors then discuss the complex mechanical environment of casings during fracturing, which often leads to high casing deformation rates and damage. The study focuses on SET technology, which has gained significant attention for its ability to repair casing damage and enhance well performance. The authors employ a combination of theoretical analysis and finite element modeling to investigate the effects of fault slip, number of faults, and fault angles on SET performance. The research reveals that fault slip significantly affects the stress distribution and failure mechanisms of SET, with larger slips leading to higher stress concentrations and potential failures. Additionally, the number of faults and their orientation play crucial roles in determining the overall mechanical response of SET. The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing SET design and deployment strategies in complex geological environments, ultimately enhancing the safety and efficiency of shale gas well development.