【企画講演】 YARO16 岩盤力学の新潮流-若手研究者の挑戦と展望　［9/3(水) AM 　第１会場］

[2101-05-04] 資源工学分野におけるジオメカニカル問題に対する機能性流体の応用

○椋平 祐輔¹ (1. 東北大学)

司会：才ノ木敦⼠（熊本大学）

キーワード：ジオメカニクス、水圧破砕、誘発地震、き裂流動

Functional fluids represent a promising frontier in energy development, offering innovative solutions to longstanding geomechanical challenges. In our research, we have initiated several fundamental studies focused on the application of functional fluids in subsurface environments, with particular emphasis on shear thickening fluids (STFs). STFs exhibit a unique rheological behavior: their viscosity increases with shear rate, allowing them to act as a liquid under low-shear conditions and transition into a semi-solid state under high-shear conditions.Leveraging this behavior, we investigated the use of STFs as fracturing fluids and experimentally demonstrated their capability to generate multidirectional fractures from a borehole. Unlike conventional fracturing fluids, which typically propagate fractures along the direction of maximum principal stress, STFs can enhance permeability in multiple directions, improving connectivity to the natural fracture network.We also explored the potential of STFs to mitigate induced seismicity. Through friction tests involving fault gouge materials sandwiched with STF, we observed modifications in fault mechanics parameters consistent with increased fault stability. These findings suggest that STFs may function as mechanical dampers, reducing the likelihood of abrupt fault slip.Overall, our results highlight the potential of functional fluids to advance reservoir development, improve flow management, and reduce seismic risk. I will briefly introduce these topics in my talk.